Adam Sessler Leaving G4

Despite its perpetual periods of flux, from the technology- and video game-centric programming of the early 2000's to the "young male lifestyle"-centric programming (which notoriously includes abundant reruns of shows like Cheaters and COPS) of its contemporary structure, one constant at G4 TV has always been Adam Sessler. The longrunning, often candid television personality co-hosted X-Play and has been with the network since its inception as ZDTV in 1998.

That ended today.

Though apparently whispered about behind the scenes since last week, a representative of Sessler's sent a statement to Kotaku confirming that he and the network have officially parted ways.

"Television personality Adam Sessler and TV network G4 are parting ways, with Adam's last episode as host of G4's "X-Play" airing on the network today, Wednesday, April 25. Adam has been hosting the show since it first aired as ZDTV's "Gamespot TV" in July 1998 and he also served as Editor In Chief of games content at G4. His current projects include starring as himself in the Summer 2012 movie "noobz" and consulting with a film production company on theatrical feature adaptations of video games. Adam intends to stay in front of the camera and continue as a key voice within the games industry. He also sings and is available for weddings and bar mitzvahs."

G4 would only comment so as to confirm Sessler's departure, but Kotaku reports that the move stems from a contract dispute  -- and that the terms weren't amicable. Obviously, this leaves the door open for a myriad of possible scenarios: was Sessler finally fed up with the network's near eradication of video game coverage? Was he demanding an untenable amount of money? Did he see G4 as a floundering business (the network was dropped by DirecTV in 2010 and was rumored to be up for sale in 2011)?

As for now, the only comment on Sessler's side was a lone tweet earlier today acknowledging his many fans.

"Thank you to everyone with your exceedingly kind wishes and thoughts. I think I'll finally take a nap...."

We wish Sessler the best in his next endeavor; it's unclear what the news means for the future of X-Play -- which he co-hosted alongside Morgan Webb -- but the show was certainly part of an era, of sorts, in televised video game coverage that currently hangs in a peculiar limbo between the growing popularity of games and the growing presence of the Internet. It's likely that the viewers who tuned in from time to time all have a favorite Sessler skit or two in their memory, and we don't doubt he can be successful in whatever format he explores next.

Ranters, what's your reaction to Adam Sessler's G4 departure? Was it time for him to move on? Is he better off on a different platform?

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Source: Kotaku, Adam Sessler