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Game Informer

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Game Informer was an American monthly video game magazine that provided articles, news, strategies, and reviews of video games and gaming consoles. Founded in August 1991 by video game retailer FuncoLand, it was acquired by GameStop in 2000, becoming a key component of the retailer's ecosystem until its abrupt discontinuation in August 2024 after 33 years and 368 issues. The magazine focused on delivering comprehensive gaming content to a broad audience of enthusiasts across consoles, PC, and mobile platforms. At its peak in 2011, it achieved a circulation of 8 million, making it the third-largest magazine in the United States. Following its closure, which included the shutdown of its website and removal of its digital archive, Game Informer teased a potential revival on March 19, 2025, with an announcement scheduled for March 25, 2025, hinting at a possible return independent of GameStop, led by former staff members.

History

Game Informer debuted as a six-page newsletter published by FuncoLand in August 1991, initially released every two months. It transitioned to a monthly schedule in November 1994 and later adopted a 10-issue-per-year cycle under GameStop’s ownership after the retailer acquired FuncoLand in 2000. This acquisition tied the magazine to GameStop’s PowerUp Rewards program, boosting its distribution through in-store subscriptions. The magazine saw significant growth, reaching circulation milestones of 5 million in 2010 (fifth-largest U.S. magazine), 8 million in 2011 (third-largest), and 7 million in 2017 (fourth-largest). Editorial leadership included founder Andy McNamara (editor-in-chief until June 2020), Andrew Reiner (2020–2022), and Matt Miller (2022–2024). Financial difficulties at GameStop led to layoffs in August 2019 (half the staff) and summer 2022 (three staff), culminating in the magazine’s closure on August 2, 2024, with staff laid off mid-production of the next issue and the website replaced with a farewell message.

On March 19, 2025, Game Informer’s dormant social media channels reactivated, posting a teaser video featuring its farewell message glitching into a “Continue?” prompt, ending with the date March 25, 2025. Former staff, including Brian Shea, Marcus Stewart, Kyle Hilliard, and Alex Van Aken, shared similar teasers, suggesting a revival led by the original team, possibly free from GameStop’s control. While details remain unconfirmed as of March 21, 2025, the coordinated effort indicates a significant announcement is imminent.

Editorial Content and Focus Areas

Game Informer covered video game news, previews, reviews (scored on a 1-10 scale with quarter-point increments), strategies, and feature articles, spanning platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile. It awarded only 31 perfect 10 scores in its history, with no game receiving a zero. Regular features included the annual “Top 50 Games of the Year” (published in January or February with awards like Game of the Year), the “E3 Hot 50” (August issues reviewing E3 titles), and the satirical “Game Infarcer” (April Fools’ editions with fictional editor Darth Clark). The “Sacred Cow Barbecues” column, appearing in issues like 158 (June 2006) and 261 (January 2015), critiqued revered games humorously, occasionally stirring reader debate. A “Classic GI” section for retro game reviews was discontinued in 2009 before a redesign.

Audience and Readership

The magazine’s core readership consisted primarily of male gamers, with 13.86 million male readers reported in Fall 2011, targeting career-professional males with interests beyond gaming. It was predominantly U.S.-based, though an Australian edition ran from November 2009 to April 18, 2019, peaking at over 10,000 subscribers by June 2010. Circulation peaked at 8 million in 2011 but declined to 7 million by 2017, reflecting print media challenges. The teased revival in 2025 may aim to reconnect with this audience, though its scope remains unclear.

Notable Issues, Covers, or Articles

Game Informer was renowned for its cover art, often featuring exclusive designs for upcoming games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Final Fantasy XV. Its final issue (June 2024, #368) showcased The Casting of Frank Stone, a horror game by Behaviour Interactive and Supermassive Games. Annual features like the “Top 50 Games” and “E3 Hot 50” were widely anticipated, while “Game Infarcer” editions added levity, often prompting strong reader reactions published in subsequent issues.

Contributors and Notable Figures

Key figures included Andy McNamara (founder and editor-in-chief until 2020), Andrew Reiner (editor-in-chief 2020–2022), and Matt Miller (editor-in-chief 2022–2024, staff since 2004). Other notable staff were Kyle Hilliard (content director), Brian Shea (online content director), and writers like John Carson and Wesley LeBlanc, many of whom were laid off in 2024 but reappeared in the 2025 revival teasers. A comprehensive list of contributors beyond these leaders is not publicly documented.

Circulation and Distribution

Circulation peaked at 8 million in 2011, with earlier highs of 5 million (2010) and later 7 million (2017). Distribution relied heavily on GameStop’s PowerUp Rewards until a standalone $19.91 annual subscription launched in March 2024, offering 10 issues and digital access. The Australian edition achieved regional success before closing in 2019. The 2024 closure ended print distribution, but the 2025 teaser suggests a potential new strategy, possibly digital or hybrid.

Reception and Influence

Game Informer was a respected voice in gaming journalism, influencing player and developer communities alike. Its reviews and exclusives earned industry trust, though it received no specific awards. Its closure prompted widespread tributes, and the 2025 revival tease has reignited enthusiasm, suggesting its enduring influence.

Digital Presence and Online Strategy

The Game Informer website, launched in August 1996, was revamped in 2003 and redesigned in 2009, offering news, reviews, and the “Game Informer Show” podcast (from 2009). Shut down in August 2024 with its archive erased, the site’s social channels reactivated on March 19, 2025, with a teaser video, hinting at a digital relaunch by former staff.

Business and Financial Aspects

Initially owned by FuncoLand, Game Informer was acquired by GameStop in 2000, integrating it into a subscription-advertising model tied to retail promotions. Financial pressures led to layoffs and the 2024 closure. The 2025 revival suggests a new ownership or funding model, possibly independent, though details await confirmation.

Controversies and Criticism

The “Sacred Cow Barbecues” feature drew fan backlash for mocking beloved games. Layoffs in 2019 and 2022, plus the sudden 2024 closure—leaving staff mid-issue and erasing the website—sparked criticism of GameStop’s management. The 2025 revival appears to address this legacy positively.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Over 33 years, Game Informer shaped gaming journalism, influencing culture and industry standards. Its closure marked a print media decline, but the 2025 teaser, backed by former staff, suggests a resurgence, reinforcing its cultural significance.

List of Issues

There were 368 issues published. The final issue was June 2024 (#368).

References