GamesMaster

Associated With

Channel 4; production authorship not fully established in the retained records - creator or operator

Defining Feature

Studio video-game challenges combined with reviews and a Golden Joystick prize

Status

Reintroduced - Original run lasted seven series; Channel 4 commissioned a reboot in 2021

Overview

GamesMaster brought video-game challenges, reviews and guests before a British television studio audience.

First broadcast on 7 January 1992, it featured Dominik Diamond as presenter and Patrick Moore as the GamesMaster. Successful contestants could leave with the programme’s Golden Joystick.

The original ran for seven series, and Channel 4 commissioned a reboot in 2021. Channel 4 describes GamesMaster as Britain’s first television programme dedicated to gaming.

Why It Mattered

Channel 4 describes GamesMaster as Britain’s first television programme dedicated to gaming. Its studio challenges made players’ skill visible, while its reviews and guests brought gaming culture into a mainstream broadcast format.

First Broadcast

• The first episode was transmitted on 7 January 1992.
• The BFI catalogue gives a 24-minute duration and names Dominik Diamond as presenter.

Programme Format

• Players attempted video-game challenges before a studio audience.
• Reviews, celebrity guests and the Golden Joystick prize formed part of the format.

Broadcast Record

• Channel 4 says the original launched in January 1992 and ran for seven series.
• Channel 4 describes GamesMaster as the first British television programme dedicated to gaming.
• Patrick Moore portrayed the original GamesMaster.

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