G-Day II: TV 4 Gamers Returns
On May 28th, 2004, gaming network G4 and tech-centric channel TechTV entered into what many now consider an unholy, evil union that took the best elements of both networks and smashed them before our big, teary fanboy eyes.
Okay, so it didn't really happen that fast, it was more of a gradual, methodical smashing, but nonetheless, this day that many of us hold in infamy, referred to as "G-Day" by the network, is generally considered the point where "it all went wrong." Over the next few months (and years), we saw our favorite shows canceled or retooled, our favorite personalities quit or laid off and of course the coup de grâce, the total disappearance of Po-Ken the Panda.
We ranted, we cursed, we bitched and moaned... I think someone key'd Neal Tiles' car... but G4 remained silent and continued it's march into... wherever it was marching to at the time. Many (see: the sane ones) gave in and instead found new homes in host spinoff sites (Revision3, TWiT, All Games, etc.) while some (see: the less than sane ones, including myself) continued the "Great Bitchin-ing" in hopes that someday their moans of sorrow would be heard.
Tomorrow, G4 finally acknowledges our moans... erm... actually pleas, pleas sounds better. Tomorrow G4 finally acknowledges our pleas, either out of the kindness of their hearts or perhaps their bulging spam inboxes could take no more. Regardless of reason, they're finally listening and who knows for how long. This is the chance we've all been waiting for, the chance to prove that we, as gamers, are a relevant and more importantly (to TV networks) a profitable audience.
Yes, it's just a block of half-decade old gaming shows, but it's also an opportunity. A foot in the door. We say we're tired of COPS, Totally Outrageous Behavior and Cheaters, but in reality, money talks, BS walks. It's put up or shut up time, prove to G4 that gaming content is viable and gaming content WILL come back. Miss out... and we prove their previous point that gaming TV does not work.
This is OUR G-Day. "TV 4 Gamers" is back, but for how long? Well, that's up to us. Tell your friends, co-workers and strangers. If you don't have G4 or if it's been moved to a more expensive tier, do what comes natural to us and bitch to your cable company!
No matter what happens, though, enjoy the nostalgia of all the classics, relive your favorite shows, laugh through my terrible acting, interact through Stickam or chat, and maybe... just maybe... we'll get our way. See you Monday, bright and early!
-Brian (KnuxSonic)
