GamePro Ends Its 22-Year Run

I must sadly report that GamePro magazine, whose monthly publication debuted in May 1989, will be ending its run with its November quarterly issue and the GamePro website will be closing December 5th.

A spokesman for IDG, in a statement, has replied that ad sales just didn't meet expectations and that staff layoffs will be made. GamePro attempted to change its strategy in July by becoming a quarterly publication, but it was not able to counter the troubles facing the ailing print business.

IDG's Consumer and Small Business head Mike Kisseberth has said that GamePro is now "refocusing its US business exclusively on its growing custom publishing and solutions business". It will create custom content for vendors and events and a number of its editors will be joining PCWorld in the US. Going to gamepro.com will lead visitors to PCWorld.com instead. Mike Kisseberth extends a eulogy:

The U.S. 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. GamePro, like all businesses, must keep up with industry changes and economic realities. Marci and her colleagues have tremendous expertise in the games arena, and now they will be putting that knowledge to work for the brands that gamers love.

Look for GamePro Custom Solutions to be blazing new trails in online branding for the game industry, providing gamers with deeper, richer interactions with the companies and titles they most want to know about.

[Source]