Game Informer Closes After 33 Years, Ending Historic Run

Game Informer, the longest-running video game magazine in the United States, has announced its closure after 33 years of operation. The decision was made by GameStop, the magazine's parent company, which acquired it in 2000. The staff was informed of the closure by GameStop's Vice President of Human Resources, who also communicated that they would be laid off and receive severance packages. The final issue of the magazine will feature "Dragon Age: The Veilguard" as its cover story.

The magazine, which began publishing in 1991, has been a significant presence in the gaming journalism landscape. At its peak in 2011, Game Informer circulated 8 million copies in the U.S., making it the third-largest magazine by circulation. However, the publication has faced declining circulation and multiple rounds of layoffs over the years, with significant staff reductions occurring in 2019. The closure of Game Informer comes amid broader financial struggles and restructuring efforts at GameStop, including ongoing layoffs and a recent $47 million lawsuit facing GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen for insider trading. Despite the end of its publication, the magazine's legacy in gaming journalism remains significant.