Both print and online sections of long-running gaming publication closing down; website to become part of PCWorld.com.
Veteran gaming publication GamePro has announced it will be closing both its print and online editions as of December 5, with the November issue to be the magazine's last.
The publication announced the news via its website with the following statement:
"Thank you for your loyalty, support, and participation in the GamePro.com community. At noon on December 5, 2011, the U.S. version of GamePro online will shut down as an independent site. GamePro will become part of PCWorld.com, offering gaming news, reviews, and how-tos from the PCWorld team. Thank you to the entire GamePro staff for their hard work and dedication."
GamePro is a subsidiary of International Data Group. The magazine first launched as a monthly publication in May 1989, and as an online outlet in 1996. An IDG spokesperson told Industry Gamers that the closure of GamePro came as a result of a lack of advertising money, and resulted in a spate of staff layoffs. The spokesperson declined to comment on how many employees had been let go.
"The US editorial and business staff worked hard to earn a passionate, loyal following for GamePro and I am grateful for their dedication and hard work over the years," Mike Kisseberth, head of IDG's Consumer and Small Business media group, told Industry Gamers. "GamePro, like all businesses, must keep up with industry changes and economic realities."
According to Industry Gamers, GamePro will now work on creating "custom content for vendors and events," with the remaining editorial team being absorbed into PCWorld.com, also owned by IDG.
At its height, GamePro was such a recognizable brand with gamers that it received its own line of action figures, where toys of pseudonymous editors like Dr. Zombie and Major Mike were sold alongside game characters like The Legend of Zelda's Link and Sonic the Hedgehog.
While GamePro is folding, it did survive its primary print rival for much of its run, Electronic Gaming Monthly. That publication shut its doors in 2009, just shy of its 20-year anniversary.
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