Microsoft, Viacom team up to offer games, videos on 360, Windows

by Scott Jon Siegel { Dec 20th 2007 at 9:35AM }

Microsoft and media conglomerate Viacom have just entered a long-term partnership to provide content on each other's properties. The collaboration will bring more video and audio content to Xbox Live Marketplace, as well as casual games to Windows Live and MSN.com, with Microsoft purchasing ad content on Viacom's broadcast and online networks.

The partnership, which starts with an initial five-year contract, will bring audio and video content to MSN.com and Xbox Live Marketplace from Viacom-owned companies like MTV Networks, Paramount, and BET. Viacom will also provide casual games on MSN.com and Windows (Xbox Live Arcade was not specifically mentioned).

In return, Microsoft will purchase substantial amounts of ad content through Viacom over the next five years, with the two companies collaborating to run promotions during major events aired on MTV and BET, such as award shows. The deal is worth an estimated $500 million in business services over the initial contract period.

Tags: advertising, microsoft, viacom

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Phranctoast @ Dec 20th 2007 9:50AM

So Michael Bay WAS right?

whatever @ Dec 20th 2007 1:50PM

Yeah, he was right. But BillG himself told everyone that digital media is the future and the won't be a new physical media for mass consumption after HD-DVD/Bluray.

Smoke_Dawg_187 @ Dec 20th 2007 9:54AM

Show me the money!!

danny. @ Dec 20th 2007 9:57AM

Other than Gametrailers, how many game sites are owned by MTV networks?

Fernando Rocker @ Dec 20th 2007 10:00AM

MTV is owner of Gametrailers?

Oh snap... I love Gametrailers community and ideas... but I hate MTV community, ideas, music, reality shows, awards...

Fernando Rocker @ Dec 20th 2007 9:58AM

I hope free games =)

Gamertag: Fernando Rocker

Chris @ Dec 20th 2007 10:30AM

Paramount ftw !

Hack @ Dec 20th 2007 11:47AM

Nobody has brought up the coincidence that Viacom filed a $1B lawsuit against YouTube (Google). If this partnership was in the works for a while, or if Viacom was courting Microsoft, a major lawsuit against Microsoft's online rival would be a fairly positive spin for Viacom (from Microsoft's view).

I wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft offers up some form of online video sharing via Xbox. It's a closed gaming platform with online social networks. If gameplay footage can be recorded to the Xbox, video file sharing is next logical step.

Robert Hackett
Games Product Manager
Panasonic Avionics Corporation