A Return Of Video Gaming Show ‘GamesMaster’ Is In The Works
There is a plan in the works to resurrect 90s video gaming show ‘GamesMaster’, it has been revealed. According to Broadcast, who broke the story, indie production company Alaska TV (who are based in London and Brighton, not Alaska), along with ‘GamesMaster’ rights holders Future Publishing, are working on bringing a new version of the cult-classic to tv screens.
For those of you too young to remember the original, back in the days before gaming was everywhere, ‘GamesMaster’ was one of the only tv series to showcase gaming on mainstream tv. Presented by Dominik Diamond, along with help from disembodied head of Sir Patrick Moore as “the Games Master”, the series featured gaming previews, reviews, and challenges, where contestants could win the coveted “GamesMaster Golden Joystick” trophy. The original series ran from 1992 to 1998.
The gaming landscape is, of course, much different to what it was back in the 90s. Whereas it was seen as a somewhat niche audience then, with the advent of eSports leagues, Twitch streaming, and the huge amount of money thrown at Triple A titles, gaming is much more mainstream than ever before. You also have the rise of YouTube stars with millions of followers, promoting and reviewing games.
“What is unique now, which certainly wasn’t the case at the time of the original show, is the fact that there’s a whole generation of established talent that are proper gamers,” commented Daniel Dawkins, Future Publishing content director of games and film. He goes on to add that, whereas the original series was aimed firmly at a teen audience, the new iteration would look to broaden the appeal. “We’re looking at it as a primetime adult show that appeals to 16-24s and 24-34s equally.”
The big question is, who could replace the legendary Sir Patrick Moore as the Games Master himself?
The ‘GamesMaster’ reboot is currently only in development right now with no broadcaster attached, but we’ll let you know if we hear more.
4 comments
Here’s what “The Games Animal” Dave Perry had to say about the idea in an interview with Out-of-Print Archive on 9th November and 6th December of 2013:
“I have been asked a couple of times if I would be involved in a reboot of GamesMaster. The last time was by a huge production company, best known for running one of the biggest franchises on terrestrial TV. I can tell you with complete honesty that I said yes to them. I mean, why not? Of course it could never be the same as the original show, but it would be a great experience to see if I could help resurrect my baby. The games industry could certainly do with the TV exposure. It amazes me that the biggest youth phenomenon of the past two decades continues to go from strength to strength, yet no commissioning editors seem interested in bringing it to the TV screen. The advertising alone in this sector would make it worthwhile. Somebody is missing a big trick with this, and whoever has the balls and the vision to strike first is going to hit it big. It makes me more than a little sad that we blazed a trail for everyone, only to see it go cold once we stepped aside.”
Converted or Coveted? converted sounds odd ( even though it was just a spray painted joystick)
I think Brian blessed would be a great replacement for Sir Patrick Moore because he’s got that big booming voice.
I agree he would be a suitable replacement for Sir Patrick. God I hope they bring it back, I loved this show as a teenager and would watch a reboot also.
A great idea, can’t wait.
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