Early this week, Gamestop shuttered Game Informer and laid off all 13 employees of the publication. In the following days, GameStop removed the Game Informer website, deleted all archives, and proceeded to fully delete the Game Informer Twitter account after a former employee offered a more personal farewell message.
Not to be deterred by some real dick moves by GameStop, Game Informer's now former editor-in-chief Matt Miller wrote a final "Letter from the Editor." Miller shares his thoughts on having to say goodbye to Game Informer and offers his thanks to fans, readers, and those in the industry.
The message was shared on Twitter by former Game Informer content director Kyle Hilliard. If you are unable to see the linked post, Miller's entire message can be read below.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
ONE LAST TIME
33 YEARS IS A LONG TIME. When thinking about saying goodbye to Game Informer, I felt that a few days of consideration were warranted to get my thoughts in order. I'm glad I waited. The outpouring of affection, support, and appreciation the team has received in recent days is humbling. It has reminded me how much this long-running magazine has meant to so many.
From the outside, it might seem strange that a gaming magazine would warrant such nostalgia and fondness. However, for millions of gamers over the years, Game Informer was a portal into their favorite hobby. Many of us grew up with those glossy covers arriving monthly in our mailboxes, selling the dream of what was next in gaming. It was one place where a love of gaming was celebrated without pretense or undue snark, where humor could coexist with thoughtful critique, and players could have each game enriched through a deeper understanding of how they were created and who created them.
I inherited that approach to game coverage from the great writers, editors, and other creative voices that have shaped GI over the years, and I hope we final staffers were worthy stewards of that legacy. Whatever obstacles and frustrations were thrust into our path in recent years, I'm proud of each and every issue of Game Informer we shipped. Somehow, despite many dozens of distinct voices and perspectives on games that contributed over the years, the magazine remained consistent in tone and a spirit of excitement about games, and that's pretty remarkable.
To the many readers and viewers who have supported us: We are so appreciative for the enthusiasm. I know many of you had a personal connection to GI, and I can confidently speak for everyone who has been a part of the organization over the years in saying it was a tremendous joy to see your reaction to our cover reveals, your laughter at our shows, and the trust you placed in us to help you find the next game you wanted to play.
To our thousands of industry partners in development, publishing, PR, and elsewhere: You are collectively the most creative, hard-working, funny, and interesting people I know. The painful cuts of recent years notwithstanding, game-making is more than just a business, and you deserve the chance to have your stories told and your work explored, analyzed, critiqued, and awarded. We at GI were fortunate to help tell some of those stories, and we've always taken the responsibility seriously.
To the Game Informer team past and present: It's strange that this one place has led to so many lifelong friendships and positive memories. It is one of the great honors of my life to have worked with all of you, hit those tough writing deadlines, and shared in the joy of opening up each new issue as it arrived to see the results of all that effort. No one can erase that sense of connection we share, or how GI helped shape the conversation around gaming.
After 20 years of monthly issues, I plan to take a bit to catch my breath and consider what's next. I still love games, and I hope to find a new way to stay connected to them through my work. If you'd like to reach me, especially to ask about or explore opportunities for the talented team members who crafted the final chapters of Game Informer's story, please reach out to matthew.miller.games@gmail.com. Spoiler alert: I will have nothing but positive things to share about my team's work, and fervent recommendations that they could add something special to any team they join.
Thank you all.
Play well. Be well.
Matt Miller​
ONE LAST TIME
33 YEARS IS A LONG TIME. When thinking about saying goodbye to Game Informer, I felt that a few days of consideration were warranted to get my thoughts in order. I'm glad I waited. The outpouring of affection, support, and appreciation the team has received in recent days is humbling. It has reminded me how much this long-running magazine has meant to so many.
From the outside, it might seem strange that a gaming magazine would warrant such nostalgia and fondness. However, for millions of gamers over the years, Game Informer was a portal into their favorite hobby. Many of us grew up with those glossy covers arriving monthly in our mailboxes, selling the dream of what was next in gaming. It was one place where a love of gaming was celebrated without pretense or undue snark, where humor could coexist with thoughtful critique, and players could have each game enriched through a deeper understanding of how they were created and who created them.
I inherited that approach to game coverage from the great writers, editors, and other creative voices that have shaped GI over the years, and I hope we final staffers were worthy stewards of that legacy. Whatever obstacles and frustrations were thrust into our path in recent years, I'm proud of each and every issue of Game Informer we shipped. Somehow, despite many dozens of distinct voices and perspectives on games that contributed over the years, the magazine remained consistent in tone and a spirit of excitement about games, and that's pretty remarkable.
To the many readers and viewers who have supported us: We are so appreciative for the enthusiasm. I know many of you had a personal connection to GI, and I can confidently speak for everyone who has been a part of the organization over the years in saying it was a tremendous joy to see your reaction to our cover reveals, your laughter at our shows, and the trust you placed in us to help you find the next game you wanted to play.
To our thousands of industry partners in development, publishing, PR, and elsewhere: You are collectively the most creative, hard-working, funny, and interesting people I know. The painful cuts of recent years notwithstanding, game-making is more than just a business, and you deserve the chance to have your stories told and your work explored, analyzed, critiqued, and awarded. We at GI were fortunate to help tell some of those stories, and we've always taken the responsibility seriously.
To the Game Informer team past and present: It's strange that this one place has led to so many lifelong friendships and positive memories. It is one of the great honors of my life to have worked with all of you, hit those tough writing deadlines, and shared in the joy of opening up each new issue as it arrived to see the results of all that effort. No one can erase that sense of connection we share, or how GI helped shape the conversation around gaming.
After 20 years of monthly issues, I plan to take a bit to catch my breath and consider what's next. I still love games, and I hope to find a new way to stay connected to them through my work. If you'd like to reach me, especially to ask about or explore opportunities for the talented team members who crafted the final chapters of Game Informer's story, please reach out to matthew.miller.games@gmail.com. Spoiler alert: I will have nothing but positive things to share about my team's work, and fervent recommendations that they could add something special to any team they join.
Thank you all.
Play well. Be well.
Matt Miller​
