Machinima Refocuses Programming Channels, Adds New Segments

Gaming and fandom multichannel network Machinima is revamping its programming channels, the company announced Wednesday. The changes are the result of recent new hire Jason Dimberg, the network’s svp of programming and editor in chief, who has refocused the channels into specific segments within the gaming and fandom culture and announced new programming.

The changes are meant to organize where content appears on the network and set fans’ expectations. For instance, Machinima Prime, which houses original content has been rebranded “Primr” and is now focused on geek-centric, live action entertainment. Three new shows are launching on the channel: “This Week in Geek” airs Monday as a spotlight on the three most important “geek” things during the calendar week , consisting of a movie, a video game and a nerd-centric topic. The weekly sketch comedy show “Dank/Fire,” featuring comedy for the fandom crowd, airs on Wednesdays. And “Spacebar” is a roundtable discussion run by Machinima staples Nick Gregorio and Phil Lorigo.

“Machinima has always been synonymous with gaming and fandom, but those are very broad categories. Our channels have not previously defined what segments of gaming and fandom their programming focuses on,” said Dimberg in a release.  “With this revamp, we are looking to increase the touchpoints we have with our audience across our social programming channels.  The overall goal is to properly set viewer expectation with the brands/channels we support and then deliver on them.”

Other changes in progress include Machinima’s flagship channel moving toward a heavier rotation of game-driven news and entertainment. Part of that will include more gaming mash-ups, or “machinima,” which is what the network’s named after. The network’s ETC channel (entertainment, tech and culture) will become a hub of its own and no longer feature programming from the main channel.

Additionally, later this year or in 2017 two new channels will launch. Respawn, the reincarnation of SpawnPoint, will feature up-and-coming creators from Machinima’s network of talent as well as scripted and unscripted game-based entertainment. And Machinima VS will have competitive gaming and eSports, including popular series like “Chasing the Cup” and competitive events between talent and the audience.