The sudden announcement of GameStop shutting down Game Informer after 33 years has sent shockwaves throughout the video game industry. Tributes from prominent figures in the industry have been pouring in, expressing their sadness and nostalgia for the long-running gaming magazine. From Neil Druckmann of Naughty Dog to the official Konami account, many have spoken out about the impact Game Informer has had on the industry. The accounts for Discord, Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed, Metacritic, and X Gaming have all paid their respects as well.
One aspect that many are reminiscing about is Game Informer’s excellent covers, which often featured beautiful and custom artwork. From Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild cover to covers for Borderlands and Fortnite, the magazine’s artistry has been praised by industry insiders. Kit Ellis from Nintendo and Radek Grabowski from CD Projekt Red both highlighted the magazine’s role in video game preservation and the impact of its cover art.
Current and former staff members of Game Informer are also expressing their sadness over the shutdown. Former lead video producer Alex Van Aden described it as his dream job and expressed heartbreak over the closure. Wesley LeBlanc, a former editor, shared his disappointment at being out of a job, especially after being so close to completing the next issue. Other former staffers, such as Kyle Hilliard and Liana Ruppert, have also shared their sadness and frustration at the sudden shutdown.
The closure of Game Informer marks the end of an era for many who have been involved with the magazine. Andy McNamara, a former editor-in-chief with 29 years at the publication, expressed his heartbreak at seeing it come to an end. Similarly, Andrew Reiner, another former editor-in-chief, shared his sadness and anger at the closure, reminiscing about the amazing moments he had with the team. Shuhei Yoshida, who once led Sony’s worldwide game studios, also paid tribute to Game Informer’s legacy, stating that it will live on in their memory forever.
Many are now speculating about the reasons behind GameStop’s decision to shut down Game Informer. Some have pointed out that the shutdown message was not written by Game Informer staff, leading to scrutiny and questions about the handling of the closure. Kotaku’s Ethan Gach and Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier have both raised concerns about the shutdown message and its resemblance to messages generated by AI like ChatGPT.
The closure of Game Informer has had a profound impact on the video game industry, sparking tributes, nostalgia, and speculation about the magazine’s legacy. As the industry continues to evolve, the loss of such a longstanding and respected publication is felt by many, from industry insiders to long-time fans. Game Informer may be gone, but its impact and legacy will undoubtedly live on in the memories of those who grew up reading its pages.
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