Image: G4 TV
A month after suffering a series of layoffs and key exits, the ill-fated attempt to reboot 2000s gaming channel G4 TV has ended, with its owners announcing they will shut down the network.
As Deadline reports, David Scott, CEO of parent company Spectator, a division of Comcast, sent an email to remaining staff today. In that memo, Scott “explained that the company’s investment and efforts to revive the network simply did not gain traction.”
Deadline also says that “dozens of employees and contract workers are affected by the shutdown.” This was all that was left of the network after a round of “major layoffs” last month:
The timing and severity of the cuts caught staff by surprise, as talent showed up on set today ready to film only to cancel the schedule while HR representatives met individually with employees. While it’s unclear what the extent of the layoffs will be, a source said those affected were told they would receive between 16 weeks and six months of severance depending on their tenure with Comcast, G4’s parent company .
Despite assurances on a later broadcast that “there were no plans to reduce the channel’s lineup,” Xplay presents Indiana “Froskurinn” Black and Attack of the Show! co-host Kevin Pereira also left soon after.
“This has been in motion for a long time,” Pereira said of his departure. “I know there’s been some weird happenings on the air lately, but months and months and months ago this time was decided. The show goes dark for two weeks and it’s coming back. I won’t be here. I’m sorry.”
Scott’s full email, obtained by Deadline, reads:
Equipment:
As you know, G4 was reintroduced last year to capitalize on the popularity of gaming. We’ve invested in building the new G4 as an online and TV destination for fans to be entertained, inspired and connected with gaming content.
Over the past few months, we’ve worked hard to generate this interest in G4, but viewership is low and the network hasn’t achieved sustainable financial results. This is certainly not what we expected and as a result we have taken the very difficult decision to cease operations at G4 with immediate effect.
I know it’s disappointing news, and I’m disappointed too. I want to thank you and everyone on the G4 team for your hard work and commitment to the network. Our HR team will contact you to provide support, discuss other opportunities that may be available, and answer any questions you may have.
Thanks again for all your hard work on G4.
Sincerely,
Dave Scott
President and CEO
Comcast Spectacor
The memo, unsurprisingly given its timing (sent on a Sunday evening), could have been handled better: