The Network Perspective
At A Glance
- DirecTV is creating its own pro gaming league called the Massive Gaming League.
This year is certainly shaping up to be a breakthrough for pro gaming as a legitimate sport. One look at what networks like ESPN have done with poker shows the potential. Hollywood is finally seeing the light when it comes to professional videogame players.
After networks like MTV (Cyberathlete Professional League) and HD Net (World Cyber Games) dabbled in pro gaming coverage last year, ESPN and DirecTV are ramping up TV coverage for this year. ESPN is expected to broadcast events from Major League Gaming this year. DirecTV is taking things a step further by creating its own pro gaming league called the Massive Gaming League.
"We want gamers, when they do think about TV
and who does gaming best, to come to DirecTV."
Eric Shanks, executive vice president of DirecTV Entertainment, is spearheading this new videogame initiative. Eric spends a portion of each day playing the latest video games, and his favorite system is Xbox 360™. From a TV perspective, Xbox 360 provides cutting-edge graphics that can captivate viewers, including non-gamers. Shanks also loves what Microsoft® has done with its Xbox Live® service, and the ability for gamers to view online action via Xbox Live's spectator mode is a perfect fit for TV.
DirecTV's Eric Shanks is a big fan of Xbox 360.
The Next Poker?
According to Shanks, the only thing that's been holding back televised pro gaming in the U.S. has been the lack of quality programming. Countries like Korea, which has two dedicated pro gaming networks, have catapulted pro gamers to star status, complete with fan clubs and licensing deals.
"The key to compelling content is how you produce it," said Shanks. "No one wants to see the back of some guy's head and a mouse. You can't do a gaming tournament justice by cramming it into 30 or 60 minute shows. If it's a four-day competition, we'll provide four days of coverage."
DirecTV is currently looked at this year's E3 show in Los Angeles as its kick-off party. Shanks said the first Massive Gaming League tournament is being organized to take place during that industry wide event. And DirecTV will be there with Hollywood producers, cameramen and technicians to capture all of the virtual action.
Online gaming—the next poker?
Look Ma! I'm on TV!
Shanks said theMassive Gaming League will be an umbrella term for made-for-TV pro gaming tournaments. He said the purpose is to turn pro gaming into a sport in the U.S. and pro gamers into virtual athletes. DirecTV will offer a full programming slate and its DVR on Demand will allow gamers to choose highlights from the offerings.
"You won't find this kind of content on a normal TV channel," said Shanks. "We don't think gamers want to be pigeonholed into a specific time and format."
DirecTV will offer a variety of different tournament coverage, including potential tips and tricks from pro gamers on some of the games, which will go beyond just covering the gaming events. These DVD-style bonus content will allow gamers to interact with the pros. Shanks said IGN.com, which is co-owned by News Corp., owner of DirecTV, will also play an interactive role in connecting pro gamers with fans, while expanding coverage of the Massive Gaming League.
Spectators can watch Xbox Live matches.
Coming Soon
While much talk has been made about video games pulling gamers away from TV, Shanks believes TV plays an integral part of entertainment, just as movies, videogames and the Internet do. He said its up to TV networks to provide compelling entertainment to attract viewers. He believes the fresh approach that DirecTV is taking with pro gaming will attract an audience that's adept at recording what they want to watch and viewing it on their own schedule.
"The purpose of what we're doing is not to decrease game playing," said Shanks. "We want gamers, when they do think about TV and who does gaming best, to come to DirecTV."
Shanks said that consoles like Xbox 360 open up the potential audience of pro gamers. He said that DirecTV will likely make some changes to the featured games through customization options to make it an even playing field and to provide an entertaining tournament for viewers.
Come E3, DirecTV will bring Hollywood production values to TV using Microsoft's next-generation console as the centerpiece and Xbox 360 games as the path to pro gaming glory—and cash prizes.
Article by John Gaudiosi
