Created by Dale Robinson No. of episodes 216 (As of 9 May 2011) First episode date 2006 Number of episodes 216 (As of 9 May 2011) | Country of origin Australia Original network C31 Melbourne and TVS Final episode date 2012 Genre Video game | |
Starring Jason O'Callaghan (2006–)
Jamie McDonald (2006–2008)
Mick Levacsics (2009–2010)
Kirsty Sculler (2010–) Running time approximately 25 minutes (without commercials) Networks C31 Melbourne, Television Sydney | ||
Level 3 was an Australian television show that focused on video games and gaming culture. The program aired on C31 Melbourne on Monday nights, and on TVS on Tuesday nights. Past episodes are available for viewing at the Level 3 website, as well as Level 3 links in YouTube, Blip.tv or Livestream channels.
Contents
Show Format
Level 3 was a community-produced television program, funded by those who created the series. The series was advertised as made "by gamers, for gamers". Level 3 featured game reviews for the current generation of consoles, handhelds and PC games. Episodes occasionally featured interviews with members of the local and international gaming industry, and those somewhat related to the broader technology industry. In addition, the show would discuss gaming-related issues (such as the Xbox 360 Red Ring of Death) and showcase important gaming-related events and trailers for upcoming games.
Episodes of Level 3 include large sections of footage filmed in front of a green screen, with the reviewer standing in front of game footage in the background. Aside from reviews, other segments on the show include "Weird & Retro", a look back at some of the stranger or older aspects of gaming history.
History
In 2006, Level 3 was premiered on Channel 31. It was created by gaming fan Dale Robinson, who had worked on a number of shows with Channel 31 prior to the creation of Level 3. Three other hosts were chosen, including Jason O'Callaghan, Jamie McDonald and Nick. In 2007, Nick left the series for undisclosed reasons, and Jamie Galea joined the crew. McDonald temporarily left the show to participate in the Big Brother Australia television series as a contestant. After he was evicted from the Big Brother house, McDonald returned to Level 3.
In 2008, the crew developed and published the Level 3 website, including a weekly audio podcast, previous episodes available for streaming and additional content not aired on television. On 11 December that same year, TekTime Radio host "Ash" joined as a guest host. A second guest host, Anne Dunne from the Australian Gamer website, joined on 22 January 2009. On 10 April 2009, Jamie announced he was leaving the show to be a radio host for Hype FM in Broken Hill, New South Wales; with new community hosts and current regulars to step up their involvement.
In 2010, Level 3 was able to take advantage of broadcasting at a higher standard of quality, after Channel 31 acquired a digital license,. It also marked the addition of several new hosts. The cast and crew covered the events of the Monash University's Computer Games Boot Camp event from 3–9 July via an online video stream. The success of this event led to a weekly Level 3 video stream starting from 19 September 2010. In 2011, the Level 3 crew covered the Melbourne Global Game Jam and LEGO convention Brickvention.