G4 TV Shutting Down Only A Year After Relaunch
It may be hard for younger generations of gamers today to fathom, but the internet’s plethora of video game-related news coverage and commentary-based entertainment was not as prevalent for much of the industry’s history. Before the YouTube and Twitch age, a fledgling cable TV network called G4 TV sought to give gamers programming related to video games they couldn’t find elsewhere. While that cable network ended in 2012, its parent company Comcast decided to attempt a relaunch of the network about a year ago. Sadly, it seems the experiment was not meant to last, as the network is being shut down once more.
Deadline has reported on the announcement made by Comcast division Spectacor, which managed the relaunch of G4 TV. Spectacor CEO Dave Scott confirmed with the dozens of workers and contractors with G4 that they will all have their roles terminated due to the network’s closure. Some may be given new internal positions with Spectacor/Comcast, while others will be given assistance in finding new work elsewhere. As for why the network is being ended after such a short time into its resurgence, here’s what the CEO had to say:
“Over the past several months, we worked hard to generate that interest in G4 TV, but viewership is low and the network has not achieved sustainable financial results. This is certainly not what we hoped for, and, as a result, we have made the very difficult decision to discontinue G4’s operations, effective immediately. I know this is disappointing news, and I’m disappointed, too. I want to thank you and everyone on the G4 team for the hard work and commitment to the network.”
This iteration of G4 TV had opted to remain focused on airing its programming on social media sites like YouTube and livestreaming platforms like Twitch. It saw the return of beloved shows like X-Play and Attack of the show, as well as fan-favorite hosts Kevin Pereira and Adam Sessler. However, with heavy banking on nostalgia for an era somewhat long gone, it seems the viewership they wanted to see did not commit themselves for the long run. While it is sad to see G4 return once more, it should delight many that the likes of Crazy Adam the car salesman and Drunk Link got to see another year in the sun.
What do you guys think about G4 TV being shut down again after a year into its relaunch? Let us know in the comments below. Be sure to stay tuned for the latest gaming news, such as the trailer for the upcoming The Last of Us HBO TV series, here on Don’t Feed the Gamers. Follow us on Twitter to see our updates the minute they go live.
Cory Lara2137 Posts
A royally radical and totally tubular 90s kid, Cory has a passion for all things nerdy, particularly gaming and nostalgia. While an accountant by day, he strives to be as creative and humorous as possible in his free time, be it here writing on Don't Feed the Gamers, or making dumb satirical posts on his Twitter, Youtube, Facebook and Instagram accounts.