
Digital channel puts kibosh on fuller games shows, despite positive response to Gameswipe
BBC FOUR HAS told MCV that it is unlikely to increase its focus on video games – despite heavy praise for its ‘Electric Dreams’ season of shows.
Last week the digital and satellite only channel kick-started its run of technology-focused programming, including Gameswipe – a one-off games special by former PC Zone writer and The Guardian columnist Charlie Brooker – and a dramatisation of the life of ZX Spectrum inventor Sir Clive Sinclair.
Gameswipe drew over 300,000 views – a generous share of BBC Four’s average 8m viewers a week, and which Brooker said outperformed his other shows News Wipe and Screenwipe.
But don’t hold your breath expecting similar content in future, the channel told us.
“We were delighted with the response both to Gameswipe and ‘Electric Dreams’,” a spokesperson from the commissioning team said.
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“In Charlie Brooker you have an original, savagely funny view of the world and also an expert knowledge of games and gamers. People who have no interest in the subject trust him to introduce them to what it's all about and enthusiasts trust him to have something well-observed and truthful to say.
“Games are unlikely to be a regular feature of BBC Four but we'll almost certainly return to the subject at some point.”
Comments
Lame
I really enjoyed Gameswipe, it was nice to see games back on the TV, it was also a laugh to see clips of GamesMaster! I can't believe how excited I used to get when it came on! Those were the days...
Accentuate the positive
He's very specific to mention BBC Four, which is promising- while I'm not going to start any "Gameswipe to hit BBC Two rumours" (at least, not intentionally), he hasn't ruled anything out for the rest of the Beeb.
Hopefully, lessons learned from GW will lead to better games coverage (which is what we should be chasing, not just 'programmes') from the BBC.
GamesWipe to hit BBC2 Shocker!
GamesWipe will be hitting BBC 2 very shortly for an initial 20 year run. Depending on performance this may be extended.
You didn't hear it from me...
Mr G Dyke.
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