As reported by Deadline G4 is dead once again as Comcast has pulled the plug on the network. The original G4, a television channel dedicated to gaming launched in 2002 and ceased operations originally in 2012. In 2020 an announcement was made that the channel was being brought back again. The channel relaunched in November of 2021 and less than a year later its getting shut down.
Comcast Specator's CEO David Scott stats that the company investment hasn't worked out as planned as the lack of viewership have caused them to make the decision to cease operations effective immediately.
Lets be real here. Bringing back G4 as an actual TV network was a horrible idea. This would have worked as a small Youtube channel or Twitch stream but to bring it back like it never left was never going to work. The gaming landscape has changed dramatically within the last 10 years. People can watch games anytime they want either on Twitch via the hundreds of thousands of streamers, lets plays on Youtubes, livestreams and so much more.
The people like me who grew up with G4 are just that, grown up. We now have families, jobs, responsibilities and not to mention the dude bro and juvenile jokes just come off as absolute cringe now. I loved G4, it was a major part of my teenage years but this is something that should have been left in the past. That said I do hope that everyone effected by this manages to find work elsewhere.
Here is the full memo from Comcast Chairman and CEO Dave Scott.
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
