NBC Is Finally Killing G4

G4, the former network for gamers all about video games, has been more or less in its death throes for a long time now. After an aborted attempt to re-brand & re-name the network the Esquire Channel, parent company NBCUniversal still let it air for awhile, but not with any new programming, just repeats of Lost, X-Play & Ninja Warrior along with the occasional movie. Now they are finally letting G4 die in favor of Style, which NBCUniversal stated fits their image more & has crossover appeal with their other channels such as Bravo, E! and Oxygen.

More from News

• Heroes of the Storm North America Spring Regional Recap
• No Man’s Sky Pre-orders Up Thursday…Or Not?
• MLB The Show 16 Highlights 40 Assorted Improvements
• Rock Band 4 May Come To PC Via Fig Campaign
• Play As Quiet In New Metal Gear Solid V DLC

Bonnie Hammer, chairman of the NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group had this to say:

"Style presents brand overlap within our portfolio. Esquire Network, on the other hand, offers an opportunity to introduce a lifestyle network that speaks to an upscale male audience underserved in the current marketplace"

I remember G4 launching back when I was in college and just watching it for hours and hours even with the limited programming because I believed the concept was cool and really wanted to support it. I feel more like a lot of bad management decisions doomed that channel before it ever really got the chance to get going, especially when they basically tried to ape Spike TV in the later years and eventually just got to a point where it was nowhere near the original spirit and vision anymore. There’s obviously an audience for game-focused networks, but it would probably have to take a different approach than your usual cable channel to get gamers to tune in.

—————————

Want to get the latest gaming news on your phone or tablet? Download the official Fansided App on the App Store or Google Play Market today to stay up-to-date on the latest news and rumors from GameSided without even being at a computer. You can also sign up for our newsletter below to get daily updates send straight to your e-mail. And don’t forget to connect with us on Twitter @Gamesideddotcom