In preparation for the return of famed gaming-focused TV channel G4, Game Rant got the chance to discuss the new trajectory of the network and the “B4G4” content now going live on YouTube with Adam Sessler and Kevin Pereira, two of the original hosts of some of G4’s most popular shows. The two have gained a wealth of experience in the years since G4 went off air, but it seems to have only added to their enthusiasm for getting back to making content. Of course, there will be new faces joining the old heads as well.
In a prior interview, Game Rant asked Sessler and Pereira what it was like to work with some of the old cast again, and Sessler responded that it was like “slipping on an old shoe.” It’s also been confirmed that along with the return of Sessler and Pereira, G4 will be picking up new hosts in Ovilee May and Froskurinn for The BLEEP Esports Show. Both are experienced entertainers and esports broadcasters, so we duly wanted to know from the older hosts what it’s like to work with young, fresh talent.
This being G4, though, we opted to add an extra challenge to an otherwise straightforward question. We asked, “In a past interview with us you described working with the old cast again as like ‘slipping on an old shoe.’ Is there a footwear related analogy for working with your newer colleagues?” After a short bit of deliberation involving discussions of designer footwear brands and Sessler’s first pair of lifts, the hosts lived up to our high expectations with a perfect analogy:
Kevin Pereira: OK, I’ll say that my feet are…they’re calloused, they know the terrain. But man, my ankles are a little sore and a little tired, and the new talent is going to be the orthopedic support that someone like me needs to be able to walk 1,000 miles. Though I might know the terrain, and might be able to call out things: “Hey, watch out, that cactus can be spiky!” Or “That might be quicksand!” Without their energy and their support I would be collapsed and on my knees and in tears.
Adam Sessler: Well, you know what, I’m gonna have to try out the toe shoes…. because from what I can tell, Frosk definitely likes to sling it. We’ve been compared to the Crypt Keeper, Kevin.
After comparing their co-hosts to orthopedic support and unfashionable mountain-climbing gear, our interviewees spoke a bit more sincerely. Pereira noted that from his interactions with the newer cast so far, he is excited to work alongside their energy and passion for gaming. He opined that, “Hopefully I’ll be able to to make them aware of the terrain in front of them and point out some things, but also learn and get the support from them because they really do represent the next generation.”
In mentioning the next generation, Pereira also brought up the topic of our next question. For many young gamers, the G4 of the early 2000s will have been before their time. The nostalgia factor is a great draw for those who remember G4 fondly, but appealing to a younger audience will be key to a new G4’s success. We asked directly what the hosts thought their appeal would be to Gen-Z. Pereira quipped that “There’s zero appeal,” but after a prolonged laughing fit, Sessler gave a more in-depth answer.
I have no idea if I have any appeal, as someone who has to look at himself in the mirror every so often. I’m fine with the challenge, but we are writ large going back to a style of programming and production that I don’t think has the same presence in ‘Zoomer’ culture. I think it’s interesting that with the incredible immediacy of streaming and YouTube… it’s like the distance between viewer and performer has collapsed. I’m not saying that we’re going to be distant or anything like that, but it is different with more traditional TV production.
With that also comes a sense of gloss and legitimacy. We have the infrastructure and editors and all these other people, so we can put together some pretty neat stuff at a fairly good clip. I think that’s going to be a really pleasant alternative. It will be complementary…. I guess, as a result, I will be part of that, and so maybe they will think I might in some way be responsible, and they will like me.
Sessler makes a very strong point; while YouTube and Twitch creators are accessible and close to their audience, the tradeoff is that it’s difficult for lone content creators to crank out high-production value material at a rapid pace. That’s one area where G4, as a TV channel, may have an edge. Sessler was also sure to note, though, that they don’t want to replace other types of content, they want to go hand in hand with them. So far at least, the preliminary content we’ve seen as part of B4G4 brings good tidings of things to come.
Early B4G4 content is currently live on YouTube and Twitch, with the network’s return planned for this year.
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