NBCUniversal to rebrand gaming-focused network in early 2013; programming will be "more in line with the modern male," with shows focused on cooking, fashion, and games.

The rumors were right. The gaming-focused G4 network will be rebranded as the Esquire Channel, according to sources speaking to The Hollywood Reporter. The tipsters revealed that NBCUniversal has inked a deal with Esquire parent company Hearst Corporation that will morph the gaming network into a channel "more in line with the modern male."

New programming for the Esquire channel is already in production, and includes shows focused on cooking, travel, and fashion. The Esquire channel is expected to launch during the first half of 2013, the sources said.

The Esquire channel will also feature various gaming-focused programming, though it is not clear what form this will take. Earlier this year, G4 officially announced that Attack of the Show and X-Play would be canceled after 2012.

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