[ Español ]
Microsoft is ready to bring the first of its 12 shows in June under its Xbox Originals, a new premium service offering dramas, comedies, live events, animation, and documentaries.
With over 48 million subscribers, Microsoft is entering the world of premium, original online video distribution and will compete against internet heavyweights such as Hulu, Amazon, and Internet veteran Netflix.
“We are developing premium, original content for the Xbox community which is an audience we are incredibly respectful of,” mentioned Nancy Tellem, President of Xbox Entertainment Studios. “We believe Xbox Originals should embrace the way our fans think about traditional TV.”
To watch shows on Xbox Originals, users will need an Xbox Live account, though the company has not decided if the Gold membership will be required.
Among the committed projects: a “Halo” TV series, “Every Street United” (an unscripted series about soccer), “Bonnaroo” (music festival to be shown live), “Signal to Noise” documentary series & its first installment “Atari: Game Over,” “Humans” (drama), and a “Halo” digital feature.
[Source]: Xbox Wire: Xbox Originals: Coming Soon to a Screen Near You [http://news.xbox.com/2014/04/ent-xbox-originals-unveil] & CNET News.com: Microsoft may use mashup of pricing plans for Xbox TV shows [http://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-may-use-mash-up-of-pricing-plans-for-xbox-tv-shows/].