It seems the end of an era is at hand – last month 1up.com announced that Games for Windows will be switching to an online-only format. The April/May edition marks the final print issue.

As retro gamers are sure to remember, Games for Windows started its lifecycle as Computer Gaming World. Founded in 1981 by Russell Sipe, it was the first magazine dedicated exclusively to computer-based games. In 2006 Ziff Davis Media and Microsoft announced the “rebirth” of the magazine as Games for Windows. Perhaps “rebirth” was a poor choice of words.

The press release suggests the move is a positive one, claiming the new online-exclusive format better reflects the needs of their target audience. In truth, dwindling PC game sales (in part due to burgeoning piracy issues) was probably just as much a factor in their final decision.

In any event, the local newsstand just got a little less crowded as Games for Windows has joined Game Players in that great magazine rack in the sky.