Seven years after shuttering its doors (seemingly permanently), G4TV is getting revived. The new version of the network launches on November 16th and will be available to viewers on Verizon Fios, Xfinity TV, and Cox Cable TV, as well as on Twitch (via a commercial partnership) and YouTube. The network was originally launched in 2002 by NBCUniversal (now owned by Comcast), attracting several million viewers, but it eventually petered out due to the rise of other platforms. But with the growth of esports, Comcast decided it was time to revive the brand that so many gamers had grown up with.
“This time around, we’re making content both FOR and WITH gaming’s biggest fans,” reads a line from G4’s description of its new iteration. “G4 programming will be produced and delivered through a first-of-its-kind 24/7 broadcast studio, featuring a collaborative workplace and professional esports and gaming environment. Designed by global architectural firm Populous, the studio is located in Burbank, California. Other notable design projects from Populous include Yankee Stadium, Red Bull HQ, and Esports Stadium Arlington.”
G4TV is resurrecting original programs like Attack of the Show and Xplay while adding new content like Dungeons and Dragons and Ninja Warrior. Also joining the network will be popular hosts from its original run Kevin Pereira and Adam Sessler, as well as new entertainers like Fiona Nova, Will Neff, and other major social media personalities.
This attempt by G4 to compete in the space it pioneered is perfectly timed given the rise of esports. But G4 will also be fighting for the eyeballs of 2.1 billion YouTube users as well as all the new streaming media being pushed out daily by the likes Netflix (itself now a game studio) and others. However, if done right, G4TV could end up being a new home for both old and new gamers alike.