The video game industry is reeling from the unexpected shutdown of Game Informer, a beloved gaming magazine that has been a staple in the community for over three decades. GameStop’s abrupt decision not only shuttered the publication but also erased all content from its website and laid off the entire staff, prompting an outpouring of tributes from developers, companies, and former staffers who fondly remember the magazine’s impact.
A Nostalgic Farewell from Industry Veterans
Neil Druckmann, head of creative at Naughty Dog and executive producer of HBO’s “The Last of Us,” expressed his sadness over the closure. “As someone who grew up poring over each issue, it was such a thrill and an honor to see our games grace Game Informer,” Druckmann said. “Sad that such a staple of our industry is now gone. Good luck to everyone involved. Your work will be missed.”
The sentiment was echoed by the official Konami account on X (formerly Twitter), which reminisced about the anticipation of receiving each new issue. “Your legacy and impact will forever remain,” Konami stated. Other notable accounts, including those for Discord, Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed, and Metacritic, also paid homage to the magazine.
Celebrating Iconic Covers and Contributions
Game Informer was renowned for its striking covers, often featuring exclusive and beautifully crafted art. Kit Ellis, a former Nintendo marketing and PR professional, highlighted the significance of these covers. “Game Informer brought out the best of the games industry. I worked on this cover and its iconic artwork literally would not exist if their team did not push us to deliver something incredible. It’s a profound loss for all of us,” Ellis shared on social media, alongside an image of a memorable “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” cover.
Game Informer brought out the best of the games industry. I worked on this cover and its iconic artwork literally would not exist if their team did not push us to deliver something incredible. It's a profound loss for all of us. pic.twitter.com/ZNn8uZfSp0
— Kit Ellis (@kitosan) August 2, 2024
Similarly, Michał Nowakowski, joint CEO of CD Projekt Red, recalled the excitement of having “The Witcher 3” featured on Game Informer’s cover. “Game Informer was there in the very early days of the industry and it is hard to imagine this will be no more,” he lamented.
This is an end of an era and it saddens me greatly to see this piece of news. I remember how excited we were to get this cover ahead of The Witcher 3 launch. Game Informer was there in the very early days of the industry and it is hard to imagine this will be no more… https://t.co/yXqLQXGrpm pic.twitter.com/6VWhLjCz5g
— Michał Nowakowski (@michalnowakow) August 2, 2024
Radek Grabowski, CD Projekt Red’s global PR director, also underscored the historical significance of Game Informer’s cover stories. “They have immortalized the initial visual designs of games like Borderlands and Fortnite, which are cornerstones of the industry. This is video game preservation, which deserves recognition,” Grabowski noted.
Heartfelt Reflections from Former Staff
The closure has hit former staff members particularly hard. Alex Van Aken, a former lead video producer, expressed his heartbreak and the financial impact of losing his “dream job.” Former editor Wesley LeBlanc shared his distress over being laid off while returning from a work trip. Kyle Hilliard, the magazine’s former content director, revealed that the team was nearly finished with the next issue, which would have featured a “GREAT cover.”
Liana Ruppert, who left the publication in 2021, voiced her frustration over the sudden erasure of their work. “Some of my favorite work I ever did was over there and that’s just me – heart is breaking for the folks that have been there so much longer, poured so much of themselves into it just for it to be taken away with ZERO notice,” Ruppert posted.
End of an Era
Andy McNamara, a former editor-in-chief who served Game Informer for 29 years, expressed his sorrow and pride in the publication’s legacy. “As someone who was there at issue one and spent most of their life fighting and scratching and clawing for GI, it breaks my heart to see it end,” he wrote. Andrew Reiner, another former editor-in-chief, shared similar sentiments, reminiscing about the talented team and the significant moments they shared.
Conclusion
The abrupt closure of Game Informer marks the end of an era for the video game industry. As the community mourns the loss of this influential publication, the tributes and memories shared by industry veterans highlight the magazine’s enduring impact. Game Informer’s legacy will live on in the hearts of gamers and developers who grew up with its pages, celebrating the art and culture of video games.
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