H
They’re still making original programming. Maybe not all hope is lost, maybe Nancy Tellem is involved. One can only hope.
This is something I’ve only just noticed. So today, Microsoft uploaded a video to its Xbox YouTube channel promoting a new series coming soon to Xbox Live called “GameChat on Xbox Live”. At first glance, I thought it was an Xbox One advertisement. Then I realized it was a lot more. According to the video description, Will Arnett is playing a role in the series which involves looking at some of the biggest games on Xbox One in an entertaining fashion, such as Evolve which launches this Tuesday. The description also mentions “Will and his friends game on Xbox Live weekly and are probably playing alongside many of you in some epic multiplayer sessions”.
Apparently, next week they invite Shak from 2K to check out Evolve (makes sense, right?). Microsoft also said in the description to expect the full episode on Monday to air on Xbox Live and later in the week on their Xbox YouTube channel. I’m intrigued. The video also mentioned “Presented by Verizon” which tells me that they’re sponsoring this. It also means the possibility to the show being US only but let’s hope not. They may have different sponsors lined up for different countries. My guess is the series will be available on Xbox Video under the ‘Xbox Originals” category of programming that includes everything produced by ‘Xbox Entertainment Studios’.
And here’s the part that I don’t get. So last July, we heard Microsoft would be closing Xbox Entertainment Studios as part of its 18,500 job layoffs and company restructuring under CEO Satya Nadella. A few months ago, we heard the studio had finally closed and Nancy Tellem and Jordan Levin were laid off as they finished the slate of programming. This ‘Game Chat’ series has only being filmed recently and probably mostly isn’t done yet if it involves checking out new games. Therefore, what studio is working on this? Microsoft never officially said it was stopping its approach to making original content and television series. Microsoft do still plan to release the blockbuster live-action Halo Television Series later this year to coincide with the launch of Halo 5: Guardians, however, we haven’t heard much since. If Nancy Tellem is involved, it’s hard to know. We were never told the full story of what happened to Xbox Entertainment Studios and the future of Microsoft’s vision for original content continues to remain vague.
Overall, I’m interested in seeing what happens. With Microsoft’s exclusive IP’s like Forza Motorsport, Halo, Age of Empires, Gears of War, Fable and many more, there’s a great variety of Television companions that could be made for these games. And of course, 1 vs 100, one of my favourite Xbox 360 experiences. I believe Nancy Tellem was working on a competition show like 1 vs 100 for the Xbox One, if it ever sees the light of day, we may never know. Hopefully.
You can check out the trailer for ‘GameChat on Xbox Live’ below:
