Hours ago, Microsoft revealed (via Reuters) that they have signed an exclusivity deal with the popular online sitcom, The Guild. An episodic Internet comedy, The Guild is the entertaining (and often hilarious) tale of WoW guildmates, focusing mainly on their healer Codex (played by Guild creator and writer -– and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog female lead -- Felicia Day).
According to the deal's terms, new episode of The Guild's second season -- beginning with the season 2 premiere this Tuesday -- will appear first on Microsoft's three video platforms: the Xbox 360’s new Independent Video channel, MSN, and Zune. Four weeks after episodes are available on Microsoft’s services, they’ll be released onto the official Guild website via an embedded MSN player. With the new Independent Video channel up and running after the NXE launch, The Guild is one of several new shows which will be testing a new free-download, ad-supported business model with revenue coming from prerolls and in-episode branding. (In The Guild's case, look for some Sprint ads and placement of Sprint phones.) Unlike other video content on the 360, the show will also be available simultaneously to Xbox 360 users all over the world, regardless of region.
I’m glad Felicia and the rest of The Guild crew got the kind of deal they were hoping for (i.e. didn’t have to sign over the rights of the property), but I’m a little perplexed at Microsoft’s decision to bring the show on board. Sure it’s a great series, but I’d have to think Mega64 would be a better fit since they actually focus on console gaming... Oh well. All I know is that Tuesday, I'm planning on sitting back and enjoying a new episode of one of my favorite series.
If you've never watched it, feel free to marathon season 1 today, laugh, and then join me in watching its continuation tomorrow.
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