Gamertell

According to GameDaily, pro game organizer Major League Gaming (MLG) has just signed a contract with “real” sports network ESPN to provide professional gaming coverage. The pact includes a multi year deal to cover MLG competitions on ESPN’s sites, which will include the games-only ESPNVideogames.com. ESPN will launch its own competitive gaming portal (complete with details on past and future events)  and will co-sponsor competitions with MLG in the future.

The deal came about due to the increased interest in competitive gaming as a serious sport (the article cites the recent professional poker phenomena’s success as a parallel). High ratings for previously televised tournaments and the exodus of the young male population from TV to videogames were other reasons listed for ESPN’s interest.

From the article:

“The new deal includes ESPN covering MLG’s upcoming season across multiple platforms, including ESPN360.com. ESPN will serve as a primary outlet for news about MLG, providing extensive digital coverage of MLG’s 2008 Pro Circuit Competitions, including exclusive streamed matches, pro player interviews, and scores and stats.“

Overall, it appears that the coverage will be fairly extensive and far-reaching, so perhaps pro gaming will finally enjoy the mainstream status it deserves in North America? This is certainly a big step in the right direction.

Read [GameDaily]

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Microsoft Corp. and ESPN recently reached an agreement that will bring the world of sports to the Xbox 360. Owners of Microsoft’s console will be able to download full length sporting events and television show episodes in both standard and high definition formats through its Xbox LIVE service. This service started on November 5, 2007, and is aimed at sporting fans of all ages offering events that include NCAA college basketball and football games, the X Games, The World Series of Poker and The Contender among others.

All the games and shows will be available 48 hours after the original broadcasting dates and will be commercial-free. The prices for the events have already been announced and they will vary depending on their length and whether they are in standard or high definition. For example, a one-hour episode in standard definition such as The Contender will cost $2, and the high definition version will be available for $2.40. Longer events like a two hour basketball or football game will cost $3 for standard definition and $4.50 for the high definition version.

I think this is a great idea for sports fans because we are always looking for replays of our favorite moments and the best plays in a game. This service will grant Xbox 360 owners the opportunity to have as many replays as they want or maybe to relive that great football game where your team came from behind to win with that last minute touchdown or that awesome catch by you favorite wide receiver.

As these games are different content than movies, maybe they won’t be deleted from the Xbox’s hard drive allowing for a collection of games and sporting events in high definition. Microsoft is definitely on the right track with its Xbox Live service and I hope they keep coming up with ideas like this to keep the content fresh and updated.

Read [Techshout] Also read [Totally360]

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Disney has announced plans to increase its game development spending to $350 million per year in the next five years, according to Reuters.  Last year, Disney spent $100 million on game development and has spent $130 million this year. 

Disney Interactive Studios has already released a number of games on all modern platforms this year, including Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End and Meet the Robinsons.  It have also released a few original games:  Spectrobes, a Pokemon-esque RPG, and Meteos: Disney Magic, both for…

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