Comcast has shut down its game-focused network G4 TV a year after relaunching the brand, according to reports Sunday.
“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,” Comcast’s Spectacor CEO Dave Scott said in a memo reportedly set to be sent to employees. “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.”
G4 TV, which initially ran from 2002 to 2014, was relaunched in 2021 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,” the memo reportedly said.
Comcast didn’t immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for confirmation.
According to Deadline, a few dozen employees as well as contract workers will be impacted by the closure, though Comcast offer consideration for internal opportunities for some of those affected.
Created by former Disney executive Charles Hirschhorn, G4 TV was first run under the ownership of NBCUniversal and Dish Network. The gaming-centric network rose to popularity — Hirschhorn envisioned it as the next MTV — and gave Olivia Munn, Chris Hardwick, Kevin Pereira and Grace Helbig their starts as hosts.
Despite shutting down in 2014, Comcast Spectacor, which primarily focuses on sports and live events, similarly had big plans for the brand and announced its relaunch during the 2020 virtual Comic-Con.
Currently, G4 has pay-TV distribution deals with Verizon FiOS, Cox, Xfinity TV and Philo as well as multi-year agreement with Twitch. The network also made its content available on YouTube and social media.
