Game Informer closes after 33 years, marking end of era in gaming journalism

Game Informer, the iconic gaming magazine that has been a staple in the gaming community for over three decades, has officially closed its doors. After 33 years and 367 issues, the longest-running gaming publication in the U.S. has published its final issue, marking the end of an era for both the magazine and the industry it served.

A storied history

First published in 1991, Game Informer quickly became a beloved source of news, reviews, and features for gamers worldwide. The magazine reached its peak in 2012, when it was the third largest magazine in the U.S. by readership — a surprising fact for many who may have underestimated its widespread influence.

In 2000, GameStop purchased Game Informer as part of its acquisition of Funkoland, further integrating the magazine into the retail giant’s ecosystem. For years, Game Informer was a powerful marketing tool for GameStop, driving foot traffic to stores and creating a loyal customer base among subscribers.

The demise of a giant

However, in recent years, both GameStop and Game Informer faced significant challenges. As the digital age transformed how gamers consumed news and reviews, print media struggled to maintain its relevance. Despite this, Game Informer continued to publish, even as its readership declined and the broader landscape of games journalism evolved.

The decision to shutter Game Informer is part of GameStop’s broader cost-cutting measures, which have intensified as the company continues to navigate its meme stock status and fluctuating financial health. While GameStop has managed to survive in the face of adversity, thanks in part to its meme-fueled stock market presence, the closure of Game Informer signals a recognition that some aspects of the business are no longer sustainable.

GameStop: A retail chameleon

As Game Informer fades into history, GameStop itself is undergoing a transformation. The company has shifted its focus, moving away from being a pure video game retailer to a broader entertainment hub. Stores now feature a mix of graded trading cards, collectibles, and geek culture merchandise — far removed from the game-centric model of the past.

This pivot is part of GameStop’s attempt to stay relevant in a rapidly changing retail environment. While video games are still a part of its business, they have taken a backseat to other products as GameStop explores new revenue streams. This evolution has turned GameStop into what one might describe as a “chameleon husk” of its former self, continually adapting to survive in the face of mounting challenges.

A nostalgic farewell

For many gamers, the closure of Game Informer is a deeply nostalgic moment. The magazine was a childhood staple for countless readers, a source of excitement and discovery each month. As Games Growth with Upptic‘s Warren Woodward put it, “Game Informer was the second magazine I ever subscribed to, after Nintendo Power. It was always an exciting walk to the mailbox in my small town to see if the latest issue had arrived.”

While the era of Game Informer has officially ended, its legacy as a pioneering force in gaming journalism will not be forgotten. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, so too will the ways in which gamers connect with the content they love.

The story of Game Informer’s rise and fall, much like that of GameStop, will likely be remembered as a significant chapter in the history of gaming. The magazine’s impact on the industry and its readers endures, even as the medium that brought it to life fades.