GameTrailers

GameTrailers was not a show specifically produced for Spike TV, but rather a multimedia website that provided industry news, previews, and reviews of video games and related content. It is important to note that the website GameTrailers did have a presence on television, including on Spike TV, particularly through their partnership when it came to the broadcasting of events such as the annual Video Game Awards (VGA), which later became known as The Game Awards.

The GameTrailers brand emerged from the early 2000s when digital media was gaining popularity, and video game enthusiasts were looking for sources to view high-quality trailers, gameplay, and in-depth game analysis. The site stood out by offering video as its core content at a time when such material was not commonly accessible due to slower internet speeds and less advanced streaming technology. GameTrailers gained a reputation as a go-to destination for gamers seeking to watch the latest game trailers, often in much higher quality than could be found elsewhere online.

Over time, GameTrailers expanded its content offering to include original shows and comprehensive video reviews. The site introduced a variety of series designed to cover various aspects of gaming culture and industry trends. These series might cover a specific video game series' history, in-depth retrospective reviews of classic games, or round-table discussions about current gaming news. One of the site’s most well-known features was its “Top 10” lists, which ranked things within the gaming world – from characters to specific genre games.

Another popular feature was the "GT Countdown," which stimulated discussions within the gaming community by ranking games and gaming-related trends. The shows created by GameTrailers often included industry expert commentary, where hosts and special guests would analyze and discuss the subject matter at hand.

Beyond video content, GameTrailers provided written articles and forums for its community, fostering a vibrant discussion environment for fans to share insights and opinions. The site prided itself on its community, which was passionate and knowledgeable about the gaming industry.

GameTrailers also had a user-generated content section where members of the site could post their gameplay videos, walkthroughs, or video reviews. This user engagement component was a forward-thinking approach to incorporating community participation directly into the site's content ecosystem. It provided a platform for amateur content creators in the gaming space, many of whom have since become significant players in current gaming media.

The reviews and previews GameTrailers produced were well-regarded for their production quality and editorial insight. The video reviews typically included high-quality footage of the game being played with a voiceover that detailed an analysis of the game's features, mechanics, story, and overall quality. The reviews provided both numerical scores and qualitative assessments, and for many gamers, these videos were highly influential in the decision-making process when it came to purchasing new titles.

During its broadcast partnerships, GameTrailers material on television had a limited but marked presence. Spike TV occasionally featured content from GameTrailers during their gaming-related programming. For example, during the VGA’s, Spike might broadcast exclusive trailers that had been released through the GameTrailers platform. This synergy helped bridge the gap between online game coverage and more traditional broadcast media.

Unfortunately, in the rapidly changing landscape of digital media, GameTrailers faced significant competition from other websites and platforms, such as YouTube and Twitch, which eclipsed the GameTrailers model by allowing users to more easily upload and share their content. As consumer habits shifted towards these other platforms, GameTrailers started to lose its dominant position as a source of gaming news and content.

After a series of ownership changes and attempts to diversify its content offerings, GameTrailers eventually shut down in 2016. Its closing marked the end of an era for one of the early pioneers in digital video game journalism. Even after its shutdown, the legacy of GameTrailers lives on through its influence on modern gaming media and the alumni of the site who have continued to work within the industry.

In summary, while GameTrailers never had a single dedicated show on Spike TV, it was part of the broader gaming culture and media landscape of its time, providing in-depth video content, analyses, and a platform for gaming enthusiasts to engage with the pastime they loved. Its integration into television through alliances with networks like Spike TV during events and its pivotal role in early video game journalism have left a lasting impact on how game-related content is produced and consumed today.