Everyone knows that Microsoft is aggressively seeking digital content for its MSN and Xbox 360 Video Marketplace services. So aggressive, that they've forced Viacom to succumb to their will. Well, not exactly ... but Microsoft is known for their tough business practices.Both Microsoft and Viacom announced today that they've entered into a partnership (both willingly, of course) that'll give Microsoft unprecedented access to Viacom's MTV, BET and Paramount Pictures content stockpile for five years. The deal is estimated to be worth $500 million and will give Microsoft the rights to distribute certain content while Viacom benefits by getting Microsoft to jump on board with advertising. We have a feeling the US Video Marketplace is about to get a little bigger ...
[Via AMN Xbox 360]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-19-2007 @ 5:59PM
dirt junkie said...
Viacom are behind a lot more than those three componants you've mentioned. I'm sure for most that this is good news as it means more content, but I don't trust it AT ALL.
I'll say this, on the lighter side of things there are gonna be a lot more 'unrelated' adverts apearing on your Xbox.
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12-19-2007 @ 6:11PM
Curtis said...
Isnt Dreamworks part of Viacom too?
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12-19-2007 @ 6:21PM
RangerPrimeX said...
Side benefit of the HD-DVD deal maybe?
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12-19-2007 @ 6:22PM
JJ said...
This would be nice... if i cared enough to pay for movies and TV shows i can Tivo/record for free. *shrug*
I think XLBM is a great idea and i'm sure it will get even more fleshed out in the future but for the life of me... i cant understand paying (Even a $1.25) for TV shows i can watch for free online or on my TIVO, etc. Heck even a VHS Tape deck and blank tape is more cost efficient.
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12-19-2007 @ 6:34PM
Eddie said...
Oh teh nos!
Now I'll be subjected to brash, inescapable and tasteless viva la bam advertising on my EksBox.
Dammit.
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12-19-2007 @ 7:05PM
UTBooth said...
Luckily MTV networks cover a lot of ground. Link takes you to the list that covers all of the potential networks that are part of the deal.
http://www.viacom.com/OUR%20BRANDS/MEDIA%20NETWORKS/default.aspx
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12-19-2007 @ 7:17PM
Rubbinz said...
Screw Viacom! How about some Battlestar already! We've had the theme and gamer pics for around a year now. The mini "webisodes" from Razor. The arcade game. And yet, still no fraking TV show. In fact, NBC/Uni's offerings on the Marketplace is like a stale pretzel on a bar floor with nothing but Chuck. Get some of the other shows up there in HD, like Stargate SG1 and Atlantis and maybe... Heroes.
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12-19-2007 @ 8:23PM
ccc said...
Seriously, why is MS wasting time and money on this stupid shit most could give a shit less about?
How about applying that effort and cash towards something useful like buying Bio ware before EA dose.
In two years time when EA owns bioware and Mass Effect 2 is on all consoles, thats when MS will realize they fucked up big time.
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12-19-2007 @ 9:04PM
kavendano14 said...
It already owns it, they bought it when they bought pandemic.
12-19-2007 @ 11:50PM
asmonius said...
Or not, since Bioware's stated the trilogy is staying exclusive and MS is publishing them.
12-20-2007 @ 3:52AM
elmersglue said...
yeah, asmonius is right, the 360 isn't losing mass effect
12-19-2007 @ 8:45PM
Noshino said...
mmm...Dustin, I think it'll be better if you especify that the exclusivity is only for the advertising...
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12-19-2007 @ 10:25PM
mike said...
after finally getting the canadian marketplace I can see what a rip-off the service is (even at the US prices). So enjoy your flood of copy protected content.
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12-20-2007 @ 2:05AM
FordGTGuy said...
You rent Movies and buy TV Shows. Its not a peer to peer program.
12-20-2007 @ 2:38AM
colin said...
That is worth WAY more than 500 million. I don't think this isn't just limited to XBL. Maybe IPTV soon?
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12-20-2007 @ 11:23AM
Steve said...
Since Viacom owns Nickelodeon, I sure hope we get live coverage of the birth of the next Spears' baby on our Xbox.
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12-21-2007 @ 11:00AM
Mr Cool said...
I dont know what to think when it comes to if this is part of the rumored IPTV. I mean, it is just Viacom. Its not a major cable/satellite television provider. Hopefully this is not one of the parts of Microsoft's scheme to take over the world :P
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