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The Spectacor division of Comcast is shutting down the gaming-focused network we have all come to know as G4 TV or just G4. This closure of the network comes exactly 11 months after the network returned to cable television. The network was part of the cable lineup for those with Verizon Fios, Cox, and Xfinity TV. G4 also had a multi-year promotional and commercial partnership with Twitch.
The closure of G4 comes from a memo that was sent out to all employees and obtained by Deadline. The memo, sent by Spectacor CEO Dave Scott, says that the "the company's investment and efforts to revive the network just didn't gain traction." A full reproduction of the content of the memo can be found here.
Team:
As you know, G4 was re-introduced last year to tap into the popularity of
gaming. We invested to create the new G4 as an online and TV destination for fans
to be entertained, be inspired, and connect with gaming content.
Over the past several months, we worked hard to generate that interest in G4, 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.
Our human resources team is reaching out to you to provide you with support,
discuss other opportunities that may be available, and answer any questions you
may have.
Thank you again for all of your hard work for G4.
Sincerely,
Dave Scott
Chairman and CEO
Comcast Spectacor
As you know, G4 was re-introduced last year to tap into the popularity of
gaming. We invested to create the new G4 as an online and TV destination for fans
to be entertained, be inspired, and connect with gaming content.
Over the past several months, we worked hard to generate that interest in G4, 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.
Our human resources team is reaching out to you to provide you with support,
discuss other opportunities that may be available, and answer any questions you
may have.
Thank you again for all of your hard work for G4.
Sincerely,
Dave Scott
Chairman and CEO
Comcast Spectacor
The original launch of G4 occurred back in 2002. That initial run lasted until 2014 and led to further stardom for hosts like Olivia Munn, Chris Hardwick, and Kevin Pereira. Some of the shows that returned in late 2021 with this recent attempt at a revival included Xplay and Attack of the Show!.
On one hand, I'll miss G4 and the second comeback was actually the way I wanted it to be (though I wished Kevin got to stay). On the other hand, Jirard "Dragonrider" Khalil, aka The Completionist, can finally go back to producing content with Normal Boots next year, after IndieLand is done. That guy is so busy, the loss of G4 is the sadness of the gig being lost, as opposed to income. Just like Gina Darling, who is STILL crying apparently as she hugs her giant Kirby plushie.
...And now she's on a swearing tirade yelling at anyone talking crap about Amouranth (namely against people asking about a girl's personal/dating/marriage life), following by being confused at how many people are in her house to give her hugs. Currently G4 Stage Manager/Program Coordinator/Talent Manager Beth (wore more hats as people got laid off during its run) did a surprise visit and is trying to reduce her crying so Gina can finally speak without having another breakdown.
Will Neff just finished his Twitch stream, raided Gina (who responded the raid with something that would piss Twitch off if she was a small-time streamer), and is now on the phone with her to try to calm her down (speakerphone on so we can all hear it).
Yep, hosts and crew just found out they are unemployed through Twitter. Not through HR. Through Twitter, at the same time as us. So several of them went to TwitchCon having no idea they will be unemployed a week after (they knew it was failing, but had the understanding that they can recover and continue after the initial layoffs). Even Austin Creed didn't know until he paid for Wi-Fi service on his flight and checked Twitter out of habit. He did the gift sub bomb to Gina while on the plane.
And now Jeremy the prop guy visited and hugged her to further reduce her crying.
Wow, I didn't think I'd be watching her stream for 2 hours straight. I don't think I'll do that again. But man, people sure love working at G4...
Also it looks like she won't keep the VOD given how many times she's tested Twitch's tolerance given how upset she was. But rules are made for smaller streamers, so I'm assuming things should be fine. And the potential backlash from her community would surely make Twitch regret any action. Granted, losing a dream job could make one care less about rules for a night and she'll calm down eventually.