Gaming entertainment powerhouse Xbox has announced that it is delving into the world of original programming.
In a report published by Bloomberg, Microsoft hired former CBS Corp. executive Nancy Tellem in September of 2012 to craft an original programming initiative for Xbox, following the success other digital entities, like Netflix and Amazon, have had with their original programming. Xbox has now unveiled the slate of shows the company is hoping will attract more people to its brand.
Variety has a list of six new projects in the works for Xbox Entertainment Studios. The gaming company has even attracted names such as Seth Green, who’s producing a stop-motion comedy through his Stoopid Buddies Stoodios, and Sarah Silverman, who’s working on a sketch comedy series in partner with the JASH online comedy network, which she helped co-create.
Xbox isn’t the first gaming company to announce intention of getting into the original programming business this year. Playstation recently announced their intention of adapting Powers a graphic novel by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming, into their first original series, according to IGN.
Xbox will pitch its new series to advertisers at this year’s Newfronts, a takeoff of the annual Upfronts where television executives pitch their new shows to advertisers, on April 28-May 8 in New York City.