Just recently, a few Game Informer writers have found themselves without work.

Writers Imran Khan, Suriel Vasquez, and Kyle Hilliard just announced on Twitter that they were laid off this morning, US time.

My position at Game Informer was eliminated today. Thank you to all the readers, the fans who have sent me nice messages over the years, my colleagues, and everyone in the industry who made me feel welcome. You all made this the best experience of my life.

— Imran Khan – On Vacation, Don’t Email Me (@imranzomg) August 20, 2019

I was laid off this morning so today was my last at Game Informer. Thanks to everyone who's made this whole experience a blast over the years, let me know if you have leads on potential work, and unionize your workplace.

— Suriel (@SurielVazquez) August 20, 2019

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.

— Kyle Hilliard (@KyleMHilliard) August 20, 2019

Based on what we’ve heard and the tweets above, these layoffs came without any prior warning. Which is sad considering that this sort of thing is growing commonplace in the games industry, be it for developers, content makers for a publisher, or full-time writers.

And seeing that giant US gaming chain GameStop owns Game Informer, there is speculation that the higher-ups made the decision to cut Game Informer staff. After all, GameStop share prices have been dropping, which also led to the company laying off 50 regional, district, HR, and LP field leaders (via GameDaily).

Most reporting indicates Game Informer itself had nothing to do with the firings, they came down the pipe directly from GameStop.

— Luke Williams (@lukebustarhymes) August 20, 2019

Until we get confirmation from GameStop, we’ll be sure to keep this piece updated with more developments because it’s 3am in the morning here in Malaysia and I need to get some sleep. Please send your love (and potential editorial offers) down over to Kyle Hilliard, Suriel Vazquez, and Imran Khan.

Their work on Game Informer has been awesome, considering that it’s a magazine where writers can just phone it because it has backing from game publishers who need GameStop for their physical game distribution. It’ll be terrible to see them jobless.

And Now, A Small Collection Of People Commenting On The Game Informer Situation

These GI layoffs are terrible. Many of the folks who were let go were young writers with unique and diverse perspectives who had helped push the publication forward in recent years. If you're at an outlet with open headcount, please don't hesitate to interview them!

— austin walker (@austin_walker) August 20, 2019

At a loss for words regarding the Game Informer layoff situation. Really sad to see. If it wasn't for Game Informer, a magazine I've been subscribed to and have read every month for over 15 years, I wouldn't be doing what I do now.

I have nothing but respect and admiration.

— David Jagneaux (@David_Jagneaux) August 20, 2019

Man, I knew GameStop's financial woes had to effect Game Informer sooner or later, but it sucks that so many great writers and personalities – @KyleMHilliard, @SurielVazquez, and @imranzomg – are now out of a job. Hire these people!

— Cameron Koch (@comradekoch) August 20, 2019

I'm just seeing the Game Informer stuff and it's heartbreaking. A lot of the people I've always respected most in the business were either working there or had worked there at some point in their careers.

— Steve Gibson (@fazor3d) August 20, 2019

Sounds like Game Informer is getting hit with layoffs today. That sucks. Best of luck to everyone affected. Be proud of the good work you've done, because you did plenty. And if you have killer stories you really want to publish, hit me up.

— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) August 20, 2019