G4 Cancels All Gaming-Focused Programming

UPDATE: A source "close to the situation" has told VentureBeat that this was "pretty long in the making." Arround the beginning of January, the network started testing the shows for "expectations they would likely not meet." They also mentioned that the channel was concerned that the shows were encouraging an activity that took people away from TV watching.

The gaming industry is mourning the loss of G4's long running gaming focused TV shows, X-Play and Attack of the Show. Fans have been wondering "why" and more importantly, "what will we watch on G4 now"?

The network is receiving a makeover to become an "upscale, sophisticated" channel for men (think GQ). Everything related to that future G4 will take place early next year, leaving X-Play and Attack of the Show to air their final episodes in December.

X-Play and Attack of the Show have produced over 2000 episodes combined over the past 9 years. New G4 general manager Adam Stotsky told TV Guide that the shows have been "important" to the network and he intends to honor them with a series of farewell episodes. These episodes will feature favorite hosts and guests from the past.

Many people's sympathies are going out to those employed by G4 who will be affected by the change. It seems as if anyone wanting to find gaming focused shows on TV now will have to look at soon-to-be former rival network Spike TV.

Source: Games Industry