Report: Microsoft To Produce Original Video Content For Xbox

Report: Microsoft To Produce Original Video Content For Xbox


The New York Times Bits Blog reports today that Microsoft has hired former CBS executive Nancy Tellem to head up production of “original video content” for the Xbox. It’s not clear what kind of shows they would be, but it points us in the direction Microsoft is heading.

The move towards content production could serve as a beachhead for the entertainment giant to start pumping out content across Xbox and Windows, especially since Microsoft has become interested in distribution lately.

American content providers such as Hulu and Netflix have also been pushing into original content lately. As movie studios and networks increasingly lash out against distribution channels, everyone seems to have decided to just make their own stuff to watch.

We’ll have to wait to see what Microsoft does with its new video department. It could be really cool, or it could just as easily be lame as all get out. Although, if nothing else, this will probably be one more thing keeping Xbox Live Gold from being free. [NYT Bits]