US Gaming Mourns the Loss of Game Informer, Shut Down Amidst Controversy
Game Informer, a cornerstone of the American gaming press for over three decades, has abruptly shut down, leaving its staff jobless and the gaming community reeling. The closure, marred by controversy, marks the end of an era for the beloved publication.
Founded in August 1991, Game Informer had been a staple for gamers across the US, delivering news, reviews, and exclusive previews both in print and online. Now, both the website and the magazine are no more, the editorial team scattered, and even the publication's X (formerly Twitter) account wiped clean.
Adding insult to injury, the closure was handled poorly, sparking outrage amongst the community. An initial farewell message on the website, seemingly penned by GameStop (the publication's owner), was quickly followed by a heartfelt message from the editorial staff on X, expressing their disappointment and bidding farewell to their loyal readership. Shortly after, the account vanished.
Further investigation revealed that the original farewell message on the website bore the telltale signs of being written by ChatGPT, confirmed when journalist Jason Schreier obtained a strikingly similar message after asking the AI to draft a closing statement for a gaming publication.
While this revelation adds another layer of absurdity to the situation, it does little to soften the blow for fans and former staff alike. Game Informer, even in its later years, remained a respected voice in the industry, known for its exclusive interviews and close relationships with game developers. The publication's absence will be deeply felt.
