This Isn't Just A Game (Show)
Bloomberg Businessweek|January 08, 2018

HQ Trivia is a winner. But its creators could lose anyway

Max Chafkin
This Isn't Just A Game (Show)

The open-plan office of Intermedia Labs is a noisy place. About 30 employees are crammed into the small loft in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood, working over the din of garbage trucks and car horns. The 98-year-old building’s elevator hums and clanks between floors, the heating system announces itself with a high-pitched whir, and the door to the bathroom seems to shake the whole place every time it’s slammed shut. None of this would pose trouble for most startups, but Intermedia’s office doubles as a soundstage. Most days, at 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., a skeleton crew shoots a live game show, HQ Trivia, that airs exclusively on smartphones and, at the moment, happens to be the hottest thing in media.

“We’re soft live,” the director of content shouts, sticking his head out of a closet that doubles as the HQ studio. “Please be mindful of slamming doors.” Then, appearing slightly panicked, he gestures at the operations manager and yells, “The fan is still running!” While they spend a few minutes switching off the HVAC system and pulling a partition across the length of the office to dampen sound, 33-year-old host Scott Rogowsky throws on the jacket he wears for most shows, slips on and tightens a pre-knotted skinny tie, and steps in front of a green screen. A few minutes after 3 p.m., the camera’s rolling. Rogowsky cracks a few jokes, announces that more than 200,000 viewers have logged in, and bellows, “Let’s get this show on the rooooooo-oad, baby!”

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BLOOMBERG BUSINESSWEEKView all
Instagram's Founders Say It's Time for a New Social App
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Instagram's Founders Say It's Time for a New Social App

The rise of AI and the fall of Twitter could create opportunities for upstarts

time-read
4 mins  |
March 13, 2023
Running in Circles
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Running in Circles

A subscription running shoe program aims to fight footwear waste

time-read
3 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
What I Learned Working at a Hawaiien Mega-Resort
Bloomberg Businessweek US

What I Learned Working at a Hawaiien Mega-Resort

Nine wild secrets from the staff at Turtle Bay, who have to manage everyone from haughty honeymooners to go-go-dancing golfers.

time-read
10 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
How Noma Will Blossom In Kyoto
Bloomberg Businessweek US

How Noma Will Blossom In Kyoto

The best restaurant in the world just began its second pop-up in Japan. Here's what's cooking

time-read
3 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
The Last-Mover Problem
Bloomberg Businessweek US

The Last-Mover Problem

A startup called Sennder is trying to bring an extremely tech-resistant industry into the age of apps

time-read
10+ mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
Tick Tock, TikTok
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Tick Tock, TikTok

The US thinks the Chinese-owned social media app is a major national security risk. TikTok is running out of ways to avoid a ban

time-read
10+ mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
Cleaner Clothing Dye, Made From Bacteria
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Cleaner Clothing Dye, Made From Bacteria

A UK company produces colors with less water than conventional methods and no toxic chemicals

time-read
3 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
Pumping Heat in Hamburg
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Pumping Heat in Hamburg

The German port city plans to store hot water underground and bring it up to heat homes in the winter

time-read
3 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
Sustainability: Calamari's Climate Edge
Bloomberg Businessweek US

Sustainability: Calamari's Climate Edge

Squid's ability to flourish in warmer waters makes it fitting for a diet for the changing environment

time-read
4 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023
New Money, New Problems
Bloomberg Businessweek US

New Money, New Problems

In Naples, an influx of wealthy is displacing out-of-towners lower-income workers

time-read
4 mins  |
March 20 - 27, 2023