14 DAY TRIAL // Nancy Tellem, the leader of the entertainment and digital media division inside Microsoft, says that her company plans to launch the first original programming, including television style shows, on the Xbox One in early 2014, during either the first or the second quarter.
Variety quotes the executive as saying that, “We aren’t Netflix, we aren’t Amazon. We’re a different animal. We’re neither or we’re a little like them. It all depends. The lack of black and white and this is the template and this is what we’re following is very difficult. As we continue to do deals everyone’s going to get more comfortable.”
Since the Xbox One was first announced, Microsoft has explained that it is more than a simple gaming console and that it will expand the ways players can enjoy their favorite content, ranging from live sports to complex television series.
The company has not yet announced clear names for the original programming it is working on.
Tellem adds, “I’m incredibly ambitious and impatient, we’re here to support the artists and the talent. We don’t have the layers traditional media has. Our studio is very lean which allows us to be a lot more nimble and have a direct relationship with talent and help them realize their vision.”
The Microsoft-made series that gamers are looking forward to hearing more information about is that based on the Halo franchise, which is being created in partnership with legendary director Steven Spielberg.
No details have been offered about it since it was first mentioned during the Xbox One reveal event.
At the moment, players can route cable box data through their home console, but the device is mainly focused on video games.
It will be hard for Microsoft to create content that gamers can relate to, but which also has the ability to draw in other types of viewers.