ESPN reaches deal with Microsoft for downloadable programming

by pastapadre
Posted November 5th, 2007 at 1:04 pm

Microsoft will soon begin offering ESPN programming through the Xbox 360’s Live Marketplace. This will include full college basketball and football games within 48 hours of their completion as well as original programming such as Madden Nation and The Contender.

Full games: $3 SD, $4.50 HD

TV shows: $2 SD, $3 HD

While it never hurts to be given more options, I just don’t see this being very successful. People watch games live for a reason. Who would be willing to pay that much to catch games that are history when highlights are easily accessible and ESPN often replays them that same night? Then consider the prevalence of TIVO and DVRs that have made their way into homes. And you would need to pay me to watch Madden Nation and I still wouldn’t enjoy that experience.

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Jonathon

now if they just straight up offered ESPN programming streamed live from x-box live (in HD of course)...that would be awesome...especially for those of us in korea (namely myself) who cannot get sportscenter even if their life depended on it...

Eski

Something cool for hardcore sports nuts. If ESPN added classic games, or shows that highlight a specific team for a specific year (i.e. Bulls of the 1990s, etc.), that may work. Some people pay $19 for the DVD for championship season highlights.

Outside of that, I wouldn't purchase to see a replay of any recent games.

If ESPN offered downloadable content (themes, gamer pics, etc.) that would be cool. Another thing I would pay to see is highlights from each particular year ESPN has been in existence. To relive some of the greatest sports stories from a specific year would be cool.

Derrick in Houston

I think it would sale enough to make money for ESPN and MS. If your team wins a game in the last drive of the game or in triple overtime, then you might want to keep that game in HD on your 360. It is not going to sale a ton, but like many of the TV shows in the marketplace, it will sale enough to make it worth it.

Bukktown

Its cool for your ipod., But not to watch at home. I paid $3 for the NFL network replay of the Vikings/Bears game to watch on my Ipod.

clos

if they had classic games on there I would but you're right...anything recent i'm either watching or DVR'ing

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