Comcast To Launch 24-Hour Gaming Television Network
Posted on April 16, 2002
Comcast-owned G4, a new 24-hour television network dedicated to the world of electronic games, has unveiled its slate of original programming. Focusing on the exploding market of video, computer, online and wireless games, G4 has created 13 original series. The announcement was made by Charles Hirschhorn, Founder and CEO of G4 Media. Comcast plans to launch G4 on April, 24th.
"We have assembled the best of network, cable and video game experience to create truly original shows," said Hirschhorn. "As digitally generated entertainment has forever transformed the movie business, we're game to do the same for television. Vinnie Longobardo leads a coalition of TV producers, gamers, digital artists and new on-air personalities who are creating distinct television. Gamers deserve their own network and we're thrilled to be delivering it."
G4's original 13 weekly series include:
- Arena -- A digital sports highlights show with play-by-play
commentary featuring competitors in the hottest multi-player games.
Wil Wheaton of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Travis Oates
host the show.
- Players -- Host Dorothea Coelho talks games with celebrities from
film, TV, music and sports; in their homes, trailers, tour buses and
locker rooms.
- Filter -- Hosted by Diane Mizota, G4's video game countdown show
features viewer-generated top ten lists including game play, viewer
polls and gamer-on-the-street commentary.
- Icons -- Original profiles, interviews and histories of the people,
characters and companies that have shaped today's computer and video
game landscape.
- Game On -- Co-hosts Matt Gallant and Randy Kagan compete head-to-head
in a series of game-related stunts as they journey cross-country in
search of great games and great arcades.
- Cinematech -- Showcasing the very best of today's high-end digital
art and storytelling in game cinematics and trailers.
- Blister -- Hosted by Bill Sindelar, Blister gives viewers the lowdown
on action and adventure games, featuring reviews, previews and
interviews with designers, developers and hard-core gamers.
- Cheat! -- Solve that tough puzzle or find that hidden level with tips
and tricks from the biggest cheat on TV -- host Cory Rouse.
- Portal -- Host Cybernaut Dave Meinstein explores the fantasy-laden
virtual worlds of massively multiplayer online games.
- Pulse -- G4's weekly news show for gamers, Pulse is up-to-the-minute,
late-breaking and wired in.
- Sweat -- From spring training to sudden death overtime, a highly
competitive look at today's top sports games. Hosted by Ronnie
Lewis.
- Judgement Day -- G4 game gurus Victor Lucas and Tommy Tallarico give
highly opinionated takes on the latest games.
- G4TV.com -- An interactive talk show where hosts Scot Rubin and Tina Wood chat with G4's web audience and viewers to find out what's really on gamers' minds.
Created by Hirschhorn, the former President of Walt Disney Television and Television Animation, G4's core management team includes E! veteran Debra Green, Chief Operating Officer; MTV veteran Vinnie Longobardo, Senior Vice President of Programming; former E! Marketing head Dale Hopkins, Senior Vice President of Affiliate and Ad Sales; former Nike Marketing executive Dave Larson, Senior Vice President of Marketing; former E! Creative Director Julie Fields, Vice President and Creative Director; All Games Network founder Scot Rubin, VP Internet and Program Editorial; former Sony Computer Entertainment executive Tina Kowalewski, Vice President, Program Development; and former editor of Next Generation magazine Tom Russo, Director, Program Development.