We've heard that us much as half of the staff of the X-Play show have been laid off. We've emailed and spoken with G4 officials, but they were not yet able to answer our questions.

If true, the network must be struggling. X-Play was one of the highest-rated shows on G4 and was just expanded to five days a week in January, 2008.

What began in 1998 as GameSpot TV and then become Extended Play and finally X-Play, was reworked and expanded on Jan. 14, 2008.

The show is hosted by Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb. In December, 2008 Sessler was promoted to G4's Editor-in-Chief of Games content.

As always take this with a grain of salt until we hear more directly from the company.

UPDATE - G4 has provided us with the following statement, confirming the scheduling change, as well as staff cuts:

G4 is returning AOTS and X-Play to their former production schedules and, starting March 2nd, AOTS will air 4 originals per week and X-Play 3 originals per week. While the company does not comment on personnel matters, we can confirm that producing fewer episodes has resulted in a decrease in staff. Savings resulting from this move will go directly towards producing more original programming in 2009. This is not a budget cut. G4 remains dedicated to these core franchises.

This week, I got to go on X-Play's Head-to-Head segment for a repeat performance with considerably less bearing* and more boob. Enjoy!

Head-to-Head: Videogames in the Mainstream Media

*When you tape these things, all you can see is a little red light on a camera - not a real person. Hence me talking over the other guy - sorry, Professor!

G4 just named X-Play co-host Adam Sessler as their Editor-in-Chief of Games Content. That means on top of overseeing editorial content for X-Play, Sessler will be charged with overseeing all game content for the entire network. He will also remain on TV with Morgan Webb.

“Adam is an incredible resource and has helped position G4 and “X-Play” as the center of the gaming universe,” said Neal Tiles, President G4 TV. “We are lucky to have an industry expert with his experience, wisdom and passion, as well as his strong relationships throughout the gaming community, leading our team.”

Let me be the first to say congrats Adam, you've certainly got the brow for editor in chief. I'm still working on mine.

As always it was fun chatting with Hsu and Sessler about the industry. One word of warning, it was the feed from Denver, not my brain that was on a few second delay. Swear!

G4 has several photos of the giant Prinny in the wild, ordering drinks, bothering marketing executives, and just generally doing the sort of things Prinnies are apt to do when lacking the proper, scantily clad demoness authority figure. Eventually they got the rogue creature under control using the time-tested method of tearing apart its body and stuffing it in a giant garbage bag.

Speaking as Kotaku's biggest Disgaea fan, the only thing I crave more than my own giant Prinny costume is the Prinny-branded Toyota Scion parked outside the event.

Hit up the link below for 16 more photos of the misbehaving undead bird creature.

Prinny Attacks San Francisco, Gets Drunk, And Tries To Escape In Toyota Scion [G4 X-Play]

Now that Fable II has shipped and made a killing at retail, it's time to move on. The show is still a few hours away for those of us on the West Coast, but G4's The Feed writes that Pete will talk up one "familiar" game, hinting that a beloved Bullfrog or Lionhead franchise may be revisited. Ooh! What could it be?! The Moves II?

The other? It's touted to be "something completely different," specifically "different from anything any development studio has done before." Perhaps it's a hyperbole game? Whatever it is, we've now learned that a teaser for a teaser is almost as unbearable as an announcement about an announcement.

Exclusive: Molyneux Teases TWO New Projects on Tonight's X-Play [G4]

Keep in mind that these awards are all voted on by viewers, so the Game of the Year Award winner should be a pretty good indicator of the sort of audience G4 has left after they hacked away most of the good bits. And the winner is...Halo 3. Really. Hit the jump for the full awards listing.

G4 ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF FAN-VOTED “G-PHORIA 2008” AWARDS

“Halo 3” Voted Game of the Year
“GTA IV” and “Rock Band” Score Three Awards Each

LOS ANGELES, August 7, 2008 – The winners of the “G-Phoria 2008” awards were revealed TONIGHT during a special one-hour “X-Play” broadcast on G4. The biggest winner of the night was “Halo 3,” taking the highly coveted Game of the Year award. Other big winners were “Grand Theft Auto IV” and “Rock Band” tying with three awards each, along with “Metal Gear Solid 4” and “Call of Duty 4,” each receiving two awards. Set during the summer when gamers can find respite from the heat and take advantage of time off to engage in their passion, “G-Phoria 2008” honors games that were released in the 12 months between July 31, 2007 and July 31, 2008. “X-Play” hosts Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb presented this year’s installment of the annual videogame awards show that included more than 90 nominees in 18 categories.

The “G-Phoria 2008” winners include:

Game of the Year
Halo 3

Favorite System
Xbox 360

Best Graphics
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Best New Character
Niko Bellic - Grand Theft Auto IV

Best Party Game
Rock Band

Best Strategy Game
Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution

Best Sports Game
skate.

Best Action Game
Grand Theft Auto IV

Best Shooter
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Best Racing Game
Mario Kart Wii

Best Role-Playing Game
Mass Effect

Most Original
Portal

Best Online Multiplayer Game
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Best Downloadable Content
Rock Band

Best Handheld Game
God of War: Chains of Olympus

Best Voice Acting
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Best Soundtrack
Rock Band

Game Most Deserving of an Uwe Boll Movie
Turok

Longest Lasting Game presented by Stride
Grand Theft Auto IV

“We’d like to thank our dedicated fans for their votes and unwavering support of our games. We’d also like to congratulate the other nominees in this category; their existence improves the gaming landscape,” said Brian Jarrard, Director of PR and Community, Bungie, developer of Halo 3.

Following the awards presentation, Morgan Webb explained what she thinks made Halo 3 such a runaway hit with “G-Phoria” game-playing voters.

“The record-breaking sales we saw with ‘Halo 3’ at the game’s launch and the continued success on Xbox Live are testament to how many people really love this game, as reinforced by the fans’ votes for Game of the Year.”

“G-Phoria” is the only videogame award show that hands control to the gamers, giving fans an opportunity to select their favorites in categories ranging from Best Party Game to Best New Character. By logging interactive votes, “G-Phoria” lets viewers honor those special games that offer spectacular game playing experiences. Winners in each ”G-Phoria 2008” category were determined through votes submitted online at G4tv.com and via text message. Games had to be released between July 31, 2007 and July 31, 2008.

“Given that this was the most incredible year for games in memory I have to commend our fans for making some tough decisions but well deserved spreading of the love to all the great developers out there,” said Adam Sessler, Host and Managing Editor, “X-Play.”

“X-Play” is the most-watched videogame series on television, offering smart, funny and brutally honest reviews of the hottest videogames on the market. More information on “X-Play” and the “G-Phoria 2008” awards presentation is available at http://www.g4tv.com/xplay . Visitors can learn more about the most-watched videogame show on television, find reviews of the latest games, participate in the show’s online forums and become a part of the show via unique interactive features.

You can head over to the G-Phoria website to cast your vote, or they've got an option to vote via text message in case you don't have access to the internet or just really enjoy typing with your thumb. Hit the jump for the full list of award categories.

“X-PLAY” PRESENTS “G-PHORIA 2008,” WHERE VIEWERS TAKE CONTROL OF G4’S ANNUAL VIDEOGAME AWARDS SHOW

“G-Phoria,” the only videogame award show that puts the voting controllers in the hands of real gamers, returns to G4 with interactive features that make it the most engaging awards show on TV. Once again, G4’s experts put their personal opinions aside and allow the game-playing public to decide the winners in a wide variety of categories ranging from Best Party Game to Best New Character, with the ultimate victor being named Game of the Year.

“G-Phoria” gives gamers interactive voting options which include G4tv.com and Verizon Wireless phones. It’s television’s only awards show where real gamers choose the games they like best. The public’s choices for the year’s best games will be announced during the special “X-Play” presentation of “G-Phoria 2008” which premieres TONIGHT at 8 p.m. ET/PT, only on G4.

Winners in each “G-Phoria 2008” category, including Game of the Year, are determined by votes submitted online and via text message. “X-Play” hosts Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb are your hosts for this annual gaming celebration.

“G-Phoria 2008” award categories include:

Best Party Game

Best New Character

Best Shooter

Best Strategy Game

Best Sports Game

Best Action Game

Best Racing Game

Best Role-Playing Game

Best Handheld Game

Most Original Game

Best Multiplayer Game

Best Downloadable Content

Best Voiceover

Best Graphics

Best Soundtrack

Longest Lasting Game

Game Most Deserving of an Uwe Boll Movie Adaptation

Game of the Year

A complete listing of the 90 nominees in 18 categories, along with additional “X-Play” information, is available online at http://www.g4tv.com/xplay. Visitors can learn more about “G-Phoria 2008” and how to cast their votes, and can also find reviews of the latest games, participate in the show’s online forums and engage in some of the interactive features that make every episode of “X-Play” completely unique.

Devo is coming to Rock Band. G4's X-Play got the exclusive word from the band's own Mark Mothersbaugh who reveals that three of the New Wave outfit's songs will be digitally distributed your way at a future date. The only confirmed Devo track is "Through Being Cool" which Mothersbaugh says has been re-recorded with extra guitar licks. Licks that, we assume, are hot(t). Note to self: buy this.

He regurgitated the standard anti-Take-Two spiel—albeit a bit more alliteratively, saying the company is "mentally molesting minors for money"—and threatening that he was working with unspecified law enforcement agencies to bring criminal charges against the publisher and Take-Two chairman Strauss Zelnick. That would be for claims of "graphic sex", not for the purported vandalizing of his Miami-area home.

Conan asks if Jack has actually played the game. The answer won't surprise you. The segment is worth a listen, as is NPR's previous coverage of GTA IV. And do stick around for Jack's sign off!

Grand Theft Auto Steals The Spotlight [NPR]

Not only is this the first developer-powered award show to make it to mainstream television, but everyone who attended was entertained by some extremely funny acceptance speeches. Tune in and enjoy.

G4 To Show Game Developers Choice Awards Tonight [Gamasutra]

UPDATE: Blasted RSS! This aired last night (in the US at least).
Lead game designer Rory McGuire to demo never-before-seen level [gamesradar]

Winners of "X-Play Best of 2007 Awards" Announced - BioShock is Videogame of the Year

G4's Fifth Annual Videogame Awards Show Honored Year's Best in 16 Categories

LOS ANGELES, December 18, 2007 - The best videogames of the year were revealed Monday night during the "X-Play Best of 2007 Awards" on G4. "BioShock" was selected as Game of the Year, one of the four awards the game received during the special year-end episode of "X-Play," the most watched videogame series on television. Two other games also won in multiple categories, with "Portal" receiving Most Original Game and Best New Character accolades and "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" winning Best Shooter and Best Sound Design.

"'BioShock' is one of those rare games that I can see myself playing in 10 years," said Adam Sessler, host, "X-Play." "The story is great, the music is amazing, the art direction is stunning and the overall execution just feels amazingly fresh. There were a ton of amazing games this year, but 'BioShock' was the best."

"The innovations in 'Portal" are simple, but immensely satisfying," said Morgan Webb, host, "X-Play." "There's limitless potential for new types of gameplay and 'Portal' is a great example of what happens when designers come up with truly original concepts."

The "X-Play Best of 2007 Awards" marked the fifth anniversary of the annual awards and the last episode of the series in its current review format. Beginning Monday, Jan. 14 at 8 pm ET/PT, the series will unveil an all-new and expanded format that adds breaking news, demos, videos, interviews and more to the series' celebrated reviews.

The "X-Play Best of 2007 Awards" winners are:

* Game of the Year - BioShock
* Most Original Game - Portal
* Best Gameplay Innovation - Assassin's Creed (free-running/climbing)
* Best Multiplayer Game - Rock Band
* Best Action/Adventure Game - Super Mario Galaxy
* Best Sports Game - Forza Motorsport 2
* Best Shooter - Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
* Best Role Playing Game - Mass Effect
* Best New Character - Portal (GLaDOS)
* Best Art Direction - BioShock
* Best Animation - Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
* Best Writing/Story - BioShock
* Best Original Soundtrack - BioShock
* Best Sound Design - Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
* Best Downloadable Content - Pac-Man Championship Edition (XBLA)
* Best Strategy Game - Supreme Commander

Past "X-Play" Game of the Year award winners have included Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003), Halo 2 (2004), Resident Evil 4 (2005), and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006).
For more information on the winners and to watch clips from the "X-Play Best of 2007 Awards," please visit www.g4tv.com/bestof2007.

"I couldn't be more excited about the direction 'X-Play' is taking," said Adam Sessler, host, "X-Play." "Reviews will still be a big part of the show, but now we're going to make sure that viewers are also updated regularly on everything else going on in the world of video games."

"X-Play" Jumps to the Next Level with New Enhanced Format Emphasizing Daily, Comprehensive Coverage of the Videogame Industry

New Episodes Featuring Daily Videogame News, Reviews, Interviews, Demos and More Premiere on G4 January 14, 2008 at 8 pm ET/PT

(artwork and interviews available upon request)

LOS ANGELES, December 12, 2007 - First came the next-generation consoles. Then, the next-gen games. Now, gamers have a next-gen TV series. "X-Play," the most-watched videogame series on television, will unveil an all-new and expanded format in 2008 that adds breaking news, demos, videos, interviews and more to the series' celebrated reviews. The updated "X-Play," featuring an all-new look and all-new content, premieres Monday, January 14, 2008 at 8 pm, only on G4.

New, half-hour episodes of "X-Play" will premiere every weeknight at 8 pm, giving viewers a comprehensive update on each day's videogame-related developments, along with a wide range of new features, including behind-the-scenes sneak peeks at games in development; interviews with industry luminaries; live, hands-on demonstrations of games before they hit store shelves and in-depth analysis of the latest videogame trends.

"Over the past few years, the videogame industry has evolved at a rapid pace"said Neal Tiles, president, G4. "The all-new 'X-Play'will provide greater depth of coverage, furtheringits role as television's most watched resource for videogames."

Hosts Morgan Webb and Adam Sessler, who have earned a reputation for delivering smart, entertaining and on-target reviews, will continue as "X-Play" hosts. As part of the series' relaunch, Adam Sessler has also been named G4's Managing Editor, Games Editorial, making him responsible for the show's overall editorial focus.

"I couldn't be more excited about the direction 'X-Play' is taking," said Adam Sessler, host, "X-Play." "Reviews will still be a big part of the show, but now we're going to make sure that viewers are also updated regularly on everything else going on in the world of video games."

"The games, the consoles, the companies and even the players are constantly evolving. So is 'X-Play,'" said Morgan Webb, host, "X-Play." "Every day, we'll give gamers the stories behind the games they love."

In addition to the expanded focus on news and industry trends, new "X-Play" segments and features will include:

* Tips and Tricks from "Cheat!" - "X-Play" will include integration with "Cheat!," G4's videogame tips and tricks series. Each week, host Kristin Holt will deliver the latest updates on achievements, unlockables, level guides, secrets and other cheats from the most popular new games.

* "The MMO Report" - The updated "X-Play" format also includes regular updates from the massively multiplayer online universe. Casey Schreiner, host of g4tv.com's "The MMO Report," will update viewers on the hottest MMO news and trends. Complete episodes of "The MMO Report" will continue to air on g4tv.com.

* "X-Play" Gamer Challenges - Viewers will have a chance to win prizes and compete for gamer pride in an ongoing series of game challenges.

* Hands-On Demos - Gameplay demos will give viewers an exclusive sneak peek at the hottest new games before the titles hit store shelves.

The "X-Play" Web site will undergo significant updates as well, including a new and improved "X-Play" videogame review database featuring thousands of game critiques. A new "X-Play Gaming Update Blog," with up-to-the-minute gaming news, previews and exclusives will also launch, along with a wide variety of more behind-the-scenes features, game trailers and gameplay videos than ever before. "X-Play" will also retain its cutting-edge interactive elements that allow viewers to communicate directly with hosts and other "X-Play" fans. Featured on-screen elements will include live updates highlighting the world's leading gamers as tracked by Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo on their respective consoles.

Game of the Year * Mass Effect * Assassin's Creed * BioShock * Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare * Halo 3 * Super Mario Galaxy

Most Original Game
* Assassin's Creed
* Portal
* Overlord
* Crackdown
* Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure

Best Gameplay Innovation
* Assassin's Creed (free-running/climbing)
* Mass Effect (conversation system)
* Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (online level-up system)
* Halo 3 (Forge/Replays/Screenshots)
* Crackdown (Advanced Co-op features)

Best Multiplayer Game
* World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade
* Team Fortress 2
* Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
* Halo 3
* Rock Band

Best Action/Adventure Game
* Super Mario Galaxy
* Assassin's Creed
* Crackdown
* God of War II
* Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

Best Sports Game
* MLB PowerPros
* NCAA Football 2K8
* Forza Motorsport 2
* DiRT
* Winning Eleven Pro Evolution Soccer 2007

Best Shooter
* BioShock
* Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
* Halo 3
* Half-Life 2: Episode 2
* Team Fortress 2

Best Role Playing Game
* Mass Effect
* Final Fantasy VI Advance
* The Witcher
* Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer
* Titan Quest: Immortal Throne

Best New Character
* Weighted Companion Cube (Portal)
* Saren (Mass Effect)
* Andrew Ryan (BioShock)
* GLaDOS (Portal)
* King Bohan (Heavenly Sword)

Best Art Direction
* BioShock
* Assassin's Creed
* Super Mario Galaxy
* Mass Effect
* Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Best Animation
* Assassin's Creed
* Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
* Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
* Heavenly Sword
* Uncharted: Drake's Fortune

Best Writing/Story
* BioShock
* Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
* The Simpsons Game
* Mass Effect
* Portal

Best Original Soundtrack
* Mass Effect
* Portal
* BioShock
* Super Mario Galaxy
* Halo 3

Best Sound Design
* Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
* Assassin's Creed
* Halo 3
* BioShock
* Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

Best Downloadable Content
* The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles (XBL)
* Pac-Man Championship Edition (XBLA)
* Super Stardust HD (PSN)
* Carcassonne (XBLA)
* Crackdown Download Packs (XBL)

Best Strategy Game
* World In Conflict
* Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts
* Supreme Commander
* Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar
* Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars