ESPN and Games Collide
ESPN is using EA Sports’ football games to provide in-studio sports analysis with a new technology called EA SPORTS Virtual Playbook, according to EA. The new television technology, developed jointly by EA SPORTS and ESPN, delivers an “augmented reality” that allows ESPN’s football analysts to interact with the virtual players from EA SPORTS video games and provide insight, education and analysis to fans about key football plays and techniques.
EA SPORTS Virtual Playbook today, will be integrated into ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown and NFL Live shows. It will make its debut on the September 7th Sunday NFL Countdown and will be integrated into Monday NFL Countdown and NFL Live throughout the 2008 season. It may also be used at times in other ESPN television programs including
SportsCenter, ESPNEWS and First Take.
Tune into ESPN’s programming to see it first-hand.
ESPN to Cover Major League Gaming
Competitive videogaming got a big boost this week as it was announced that ESPN has signed a new content deal with Major League Gaming (MLG) to add videogame competitions to its sports lineup. As a part of the deal, ESPN will serve as a primary news outlet for info about the MLG, including digital coverage of MLG’s 2008 Pro Circuit Competitions, streamed matches, pro player interviews and regularly updated scores and stats. Additionally, MLG will host ESPN co-branded online videogame tournaments.
ESPN is committed to serving our fans, and we recognize the growing popularity of pro video gaming, said John Kosner, senior vice president and general manager, ESPN digital media. Adding MLG content to our already comprehensive offering will help us continue to deliver the best news, information and entertainment to our growing gaming audience.
Pro video gaming offers sports fans everything they love about sports — great teams, break-out personalities and stars, and exciting competition, said Matthew Bromberg, President and CEO of Major League Gaming. MLG’s digital properties now reach over four million fans a month, and millions more follow the League on TV, mobile devices, and X-Box Live. We’re excited to build upon that audience with ESPN.
