The classic video game’s TV show GamesMaster is to be rebooted by UK broadcaster Channel 4, according to a statement made to potential advertising partners (via VGC).
I’m Not That Old… What Is Gamesmaster?
For those too young to recall, GamesMaster aired from 1992 to 1998 and was hosted by Dominik Diamond. The show would pit contestants against each other in a bid to become “GameMaster Champion”. This was conducted under the watch of the shows titular “Games Master”, a floating cyborg head player by Sir Patrick Moore.
Looking back, the show is kind of like a weird 90s fever dream, featuring all the charm you’d come to expect from an almost 30-year-old show.
Okay… What Will Rebooted GamesMaster Involve?
The revitalised show will feature five celebrities battling it out to become the GamesMaster champion within three episodes. Channel 4’s pitch states that “They’ll undergo challenges, races and fights in virtual battle across all genres of gaming under the watchful eye of the all-knowing GamesMaster”. It aims to bring GamesMaster content to E4, as well as YouTube and other social media platforms.
The channel also commented that the celebrities would “play each other at everything from iconic classics to brand new releases.” whilst stating that the rest of the show would feature “tonnes of extra gaming-themed content”. As for who will play the role of the infamous “Games Master”, an image on the Channel 4 site suggests that title might be filled by none other than Patrick Stewart, but this hasn’t been mentioned in any of the broadcaster’s pitches.
Video gaming content is fairly sparse when it comes to broadcasted TV. In recent years, we’ve had the likes of Dara O Briain’s Go 8 Bit, a comedy panel show with a gaming focus. But most games theme TV shows are relics of the past. The internet has taken its place, for better or worse.
As for the GamesMaster itself, this show will be the first reappearance of the brand since the magazine’s end in 2018. In fairness, that survived long after the show’s demise. The magazine’s publisher, Future, had previously explored the idea of reviving the show back in 2010. But to no avail (via VGC).
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Featured Image Credit: Channel 4