The recent announcement on the revival of G4 got me thinking about some of the earlier shows with a focus on video games. After G4 started in 2002, it seemed like way more shows were produced. With YouTube and other online streaming media options, I really wonder what the market is for such a specific television channel in 2021, if it even is a TV channel…
In the mid-90s with the internet not being what it would be, these shows were a incredible look behind the curtain of game development. You might get the odd interview in game magazines, but having them in video really added something.
Anyway, here’s a few early Canadian examples to kick things off.
The Anti-Gravity Room (1995-1997?) A Can/Am co-production that aired on both YTV and The Sci Fi Channel. Mostly focused on comic books and comic related media, it also had video game reviews/previews, including this early look at Sonic X-Treme.
Playlist of episodes I’ve found:
gAmerz (1998–2000)- Also on YTV and also hosted by Phil Guerrero. Similar in style to The Anti Gravity Room featuring interviews with developers and previews of new games.
Playlist of episodes I’ve found:
and I couldn’t start this without mentioning The Electric Playground (1997-current). Still going today as EP Daily. Their YouTube channel has even posted a huge number of old episodes.
https://www.youtube.com/user/EPNetworkTV