The Fascinating Story Behind Game Informer’s First Issue
Game Informer is one of the most popular gaming magazines globally, with millions of readers eagerly anticipating each new release. The magazine offers a wealth of knowledge and reviews on the latest games, exclusive interviews with game developers, and in-depth analyses of the gaming industry’s trends and happenings.
However, very few readers know the intriguing story behind the first-ever edition of Game Informer, which was published more than 30 years ago. Let’s dive into the fascinating history of the issue, which changed the face of gaming journalism forever.
The Genesis of Game Informer Magazine
Game Informer was first launched in August 1991. Andy McNamara, a young editor at FuncoLand, a video game retailer, was the mastermind behind the magazine’s creation. McNamara observes that, at that time, the gaming industry was growing at a rapid pace, but there was a noticeable void of game-related content in traditional media outlets.
During a visit to E3, McNamara met with several game developers and gaming media figures and realized there was a gap that needed to be filled. Thus, Game Informer was born.
The First Issue of Game Informer
The first Game Informer issue was small, comprised of only twelve black and white pages with the iconic hand-drawn logo. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past was the issue’s cover story.
The premiere issue featured a mix of news, features, and a few reviews. The issue highlighted games such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Castlevania IV, and King’s Quest V, among others, with only a few pages dedicated to each game.
The first issue managed to sell six thousand copies at a reasonable price of $1.99, despite the lack of advertisements, distribution, or a recognizable brand.
The Impact of Game Informer First Issue
The first-issue of Game Informer laid the groundwork for what would become a legendary gaming magazine, providing features, advice, news, and reviews of video games in a manner that would be taken up by future publications.
The magazine’s popularity grew exponentially due to its focus on providing an in-depth analysis of games, something that was not presented before, and within two years, Funco INC, owner of FuncoLand, purchased the periodical.
Through the years since its Introduction, Game Informer has remained the go to magazine for all gamers, even as readership shifts online.
Conclusion
Game Informer’s success is a testament to the passion of its founders and their love for video games. The story of the magazine’s first issue is fascinating and represents a significant milestone in the gaming industry’s evolution.
The magazine has managed to remain relevant, changing with technological advancements while keeping true to their mission. Game Informer’s first issue might have been small, but it laid the foundation that would become an essential part of gaming journalism history.
