In 2021, G4, the most legendary name in gaming entertainment, returned. The legacy brand was originally a broadcast network, offering the only video game programming on television. For its return, G4 has taken a revolutionary approach to its distribution model, offering its content across digital platforms, AVOD/FAST channels, social media platforms and traditional linear channels.

The objectives of the distribution are threefold. First, G4 has a digital-first approach. Digital platforms are a priority with a live, studio audience feel. This allows G4 to interact with its audience in real-time. The same content is then cut and primed for broadcast distribution on linear and OTT, providing yet another way to serve gaming audiences.

The second objective is to create channel-specific content. No other entertainment company is creating specific-channel content across linear and streaming platforms.

Finally, G4’s distribution strategy offers engaging advertising opportunities with reach across multiple platforms and over 100M users.

With G4’s distribution model, each audience is receiving content that is tailored to them but also rings true to G4. It also presents a revolutionary content lifecycle that ensures all channel-specific content is being delivered in the best way possible.

It starts with the live and engaging content via Twitch and YouTube, providing interactive opportunities that the younger-skewing audience craves. From QR codes present on-screen for giveaways to live voting, G4’s digital-first approach makes the audience key participants. It is then polished and edited for linear subscribers to get the traditional television format they’re accustomed to. FAST subscribers receive the G4 Select channel, the premium linear content in binge-able format.

The content is then uploaded in VOD format to YouTube and social media, providing engaging clips for those looking for snackable content.

This distribution makes G4 a one-stop-shop for advertisers to see their brand travel across audiences and platforms.

Strategically, this distribution model allows G4 to be the preeminent, centralized platform for all fandom and gaming - a playground for all brands and teams.

Being at the center of all distribution options that are available today reaches the different ends of the demographic spectrum. With over 200M gamers in the US, spanning all ages, G4 truly encompasses everywhere gamers are - streaming with Twitch and YouTube, OTT with Philo, and traditional linear with Verizon Fios, Cox and Xfinity TV and social media.

Including strategic partnerships with social channels like Facebook also gives G4 substantial reach on the social media front, bringing in new audiences from the top of the funnel. The multi-year promotional and commercial partnership with Twitch gives G4’s digital programming even more reach and allure to partners.

It was important for G4 to secure strong partners for the network launch. The timeline was short and as with all major corporate deals, negotiations would take months. From there, implementation would also take time.

Through months of negotiation and technical work, G4 debuted linearly on the channel lineups of Verizon Fios, Cox, Philo and Xfinity. The network also streamed on Twitch and YouTube. G4 also continued to rack up millions of views across social media platforms including TikTok and Twitter.

Post-launch, G4’s execution was heavily focused on scaling and building on the success of the launch with additional distribution partners. In March, G4 selected Pluto TV to be its exclusive launch for “G4 Select,” the network’s free ad-supported streaming channel. The following month, G4 tacked on YouTube TV to their linear partner lineup. By Summer 2022, G4 will also be distributed on Peacock, Vizio, and Xumo.

G4 was able to gain unparalleled reach in its first four months. At launch, G4 had a reach of over 72 million potential viewers, 2 million more than the previous iteration of G4 had at its peak. Tacking on Pluto TV, YouTubeTV and eventually Peacock, Vizio and Xumo brought the reach to 189 million potential viewers.

The Twitch partnership has proven to be extremely valuable, with both viewership and engagement. While the channel was new, it was able to yield 7,500 Concurrent Viewers and over 30,000 Viewers for our peak shows.

The digital-first approach also proved to have a positive impact for audience engagement. On the social front, G4’s channel-specific content proved valuable to the brand. Twitter averages 416,000 views a week while TikTok receives over 1.5 million views a week. That engagement transferred to the Discord and Reddit communities with over 12,000 active members.