First came the next-generation consoles. Then, the next-gen games. Now, gamers have a next-gen TV series. X-Play, the most-watched videogame series on television, will unveil an all-new and expanded format in 2008 that adds breaking news, demos, videos, interviews and more to the series’ celebrated reviews. The updated X-Play, featuring an all-new look and all-new content, premieres Monday, January 14, 2008 at 8 pm, only on G4.
New, half-hour episodes of X-Play will premiere every weeknight at 8 pm, giving viewers a comprehensive update on each day’s videogame-related developments, along with a wide range of new features, including behind-the-scenes sneak peeks at games in development; interviews with industry luminaries; live, hands-on demonstrations of games before they hit store shelves and in-depth analysis of the latest videogame trends.
"Over the past few years, the videogame industry has evolved at a rapid pace" said Neal Tiles, president, G4. “The all-new X-Play will provide greater depth of coverage furthering its role as television's most watched resource for videogames."
Hosts Morgan Webb and Adam Sessler, who have earned a reputation for delivering smart, entertaining and on-target reviews, will continue as X-Play hosts. As part of the series’ relaunch, Adam Sessler has also been named G4’s Managing Editor, Games Editorial, making him responsible for the show’s overall editorial focus.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the direction X-Play is taking,†said Adam Sessler, host,
X-Play. “Reviews will still be a big part of the show, but now we’re going to make sure that viewers are also updated regularly on everything else going on in the world of video games.â€
“The games, the consoles, the companies and even the players are constantly evolving. So is
X-Play,†said Morgan Webb, host, X-Play. “Every day, we'll give gamers the stories behind the games they love.â€
In addition to the expanded focus on news and industry trends, new X-Play segments and features will include:
* Tips and Tricks from Cheat! – X-Play will include integration with Cheat!, G4’s videogame tips and tricks series. Each week, host Kristin Holt will deliver the latest updates on achievements, unlockables, level guides, secrets and other cheats from the most popular new games.
* “The MMO Report†– The updated “X-Play†format also includes regular updates from the massively multiplayer online universe. Casey Schreiner, host of g4tv.com’s “The MMO Report,†will update viewers on the hottest MMO news and trends. Complete episodes of “The MMO Report†will continue to air on g4tv.com.
* X-Play Gamer Challenges – Viewers will have a chance to win prizes and compete for gamer pride in an ongoing series of game challenges.
* Hands-On Demos – Gameplay demos will give viewers an exclusive sneak peek at the hottest new games before the titles hit store shelves.
The X-Play Web site will undergo significant updates as well, including a new and improved
X-Play videogame review database featuring thousands of game critiques. A new “X-Play Gaming Update Blog,†with up-to-the-minute gaming news, previews and exclusives will also launch, along with a wide variety of more behind-the-scenes features, game trailers and gameplay videos than ever before. X-Play will also retain its cutting-edge interactive elements that allow viewers to communicate directly with hosts and other X-Play fans. Featured on-screen elements will include live updates highlighting the world’s leading gamers as tracked by Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo on their respective consoles.
About Comcast Entertainment Group
Based in Los Angeles, recently formed Comcast Entertainment Group operates E! Entertainment Television, the 24-hour network with programming dedicated to the world of entertainment, and E! Online; The Style Network, the destination for women 18-49 with a passion for the best in relatable and inspiring lifestyle programming; and G4 offering the last word on gaming, technology, animation, interactivity, and "Internet culture" for the male 18-34 demo. E! is currently available to nearly 92 million cable and direct broadcast satellite subscribers in the United States. In 2006, E! launched the E! Everywhere initiative underscoring the company's dedication to making E! content available on all new media platforms any time and anywhere -- from online to broadband at The Vine @E!Online to wireless to satellite radio to VOD. The Style Network currently counts 58 million cable and satellite subscribers and G4, the #1 podcasted cable network in America, is available in more than 64 million cable and satellite homes nationwide.
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