G4 being rebranded as Esquire channel

Television channel G4, which cancelled production on video game-themed shows Attack of the Show! and X-Play earlier this year, is being rebranded as the Esquire channel, THR reports.

NBCUniversal has reportedly struck a deal with Hearst Corporation, Esquire's parent company. The rebranding comes as an attempt to reach male audiences in a different demographic than those watching networks like Spike. New programming will include shows on cooking, travel and fashion, although gaming will still exist in some form.

Reports of G4's transformation from "geek to chic" surfaced in October during the initial cancellation shock. At the time, Variety reported that the channel would target the modern male in a style reminiscent of GQ.

The rebrand is expected in early 2013.