E4 revives GamesMaster
September 15, 2021
By Nik Roseveare
Iconic 90s TV series, GamesMaster, is set to make a return to E4 later this year, in partnership with Oculus Quest 2 from Facebook
In this new E4 Digital Original Commission co-produced by Barcroft TV, a Future PLC company and Alaska TV, the 3×60’ series will premiere on E4’s YouTube before a linear TX on E4. It is the first fully cross-platform branded entertainment deal of this type from 4Studio.
The series will see celebrities, gaming stars and super fans all take part in challenges, races and epic fights. Through virtual battles across a range of games, the competitors will try everything in their power to claim a legendary Golden Joystick Trophy. But whilst they play, they’ll be watched over by the all-knowing GamesMaster, famously portrayed in the original by Sir Patrick Moore.
GamesMaster, a Future PLC brand, launched in January 1992 and ran for seven series. The series was the first British show dedicated to gaming and across the run, became a cultural phenomenon with celebrity guests such as ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage, Ian Wright and Zoe Ball, and Dominik Diamond and Dexter Fletcher hosting.
Sacha Khari, Head of Digital Commissioning at Channel 4, said: ”GamesMaster was a household name back in the 90s and this new revamped version for social and E4 retains the elements that made this show so special, whilst also bringing it bang up to date, improving game quality and bringing in fresh and current names to tackle the trickiest GamesMaster challenges yet. ”
John Farrar, Executive Producer from Barcroft Studios, added: “I grew up watching GamesMaster and feel a real sense of pride and responsibility in bringing this ground breaking brand back to life. We are beyond thrilled to be partnering with Channel 4, Oculus Quest 2 from Facebook and Alaska TV on this cross-platform, social-first proposition. Although the games have changed, the energy, mayhem and punk spirit of the original show will be unmistakably the same.”
Ian Lamarra Executive Producer from Alaska TV, said: “Bringing back a much-loved brand is a huge responsibility, but I am excited by the challenge. Two thirds of adults now call themselves gamers and games now look better than movies. There has never been a better time to relaunch the definitive gaming TV series. It is fantastic to be the first fully cross platform branded deal of its kind which will ensure everyone has a point of entry. Oculus Quest 2 from Facebook are the perfect partners for this and we want huge fans of the series to embrace our new take as well as welcoming in a whole new audience.”
All episodes will premiere on E4’s YouTube, followed by a linear play on E4. Further information on the casting, including the face of the GamesMaster, will be revealed soon.