Several of Game Informer’s staff have taken to Twitter today to announce being laid off from their jobs. This news comes very suddenly, and as of now, the video game magazine has yet to reveal details. It has come up so suddenly and unexpected for employees, that some have found out while on vacation or on an international assignment.
Kyle Hilliard, a Senior Associate Editor at Game Informer, stated:
I was laid off from Game Informer this morning which was surprising and heartbreaking. Writing for the magazine gave me some of the best experiences of my life. I absolutely adore everyone I worked with and consider them genuine friends.”
Matt Bertz, Managing Editor, also Tweeted:
Today GameStop informed me that I don’t work at Game Informer anymore. I was very proud to manage and work alongside that incredible team of editors, designers, writers, podcasters, programmers, videographers, and gamers. They will always be fam to me.”
Elise Favis, Associate Editor, said:
I was laid off and today is my last day at Game Informer…along with a handful of colleagues. I’m heartbroken. I loved my work so much. But if you know of anywhere that’s hiring, give me a heads up. Thanks to everyone who has read my words.”
Many of these tweets have made it clear that the employees had no warning and no formal meeting with managers or Human Resources before this happened, and that their last day of work was on the day they were told about the layoff. Given no time to close out their projects, transition, or have a two-week grace period makes it clear that whatever the issue may be, it is a serious one.
Editor-in-Chief, Andy McNamara, did release a statement but left out going into too much detail at this time.
I appreciate all the love. I see it. I feel it. I am trying to get things right with my people. I love Game Informer, its people and its readers more than any corporation could, and I will address all the issues when I can, but for now I need to focus on my GI family.”
The hashtag Game Informer is currently trending as fans of the magazine express their shock. Other publishers have opened up submissions for the employees to apply for jobs, whether freelance or permanent.