The video game community was hit with the sudden loss of an influential video game publication over the weekend. Iconic video game news magazine “Game Informer” suddenly announced its closure last week after 33 years of publication.
Initially published in 1991, “Game Informer” was well-known for its monthly physical magazine that contained reviews, editor columns, and upcoming game previews and interviews. Before the Internet, “Game Informer” was the biggest source of information for anyone curious about the video game industry in the West. “Game Informer” was purchased by the video game retailer GameStop in 2000. Unfortunately, recent years saw the retailer in hard times, seemingly becoming “Game Informer’s” undoing.
According to Kotaku, the “Game Informer” staff were notified of the studios’ closure and their subsequent layoffs earlier that day. Additionally, the unexpected closure has left readers and writers unable to access numerous articles that had populated its website. A farewell message on its official website is all that is available to access.
“After 33 thrilling years of bringing you the latest news, reviews, and insights from the ever-evolving world of gaming, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Game Informer,” the message read.
“From the early days of pixelated adventures to today’s immersive virtual realms, we’ve been honored to share this incredible journey with you, our loyal readers. While our presses may stop, the passion for gaming that we’ve cultivated together will continue to live on.” It continued.
Since its announcement, many within the industry have issued their condolences for the staff affected and have begun celebrating the publication’s lengthy legacy. Unfortunately, as the days followed, it was noted that the website’s sudden closure to the public brought forth a pressing problem. Before its closure, Game Informer had exclusive coverage for the upcoming game Dragon Age: The Veil Guard from Bioware.
Due to the website closing down “Game Informer’s” feature articles are now inaccessible to the public. Currently, it is unknown what will become of those articles as neither Bioware nor “Game Informer” put out statements on the issue.
