XLEAGUE.TV
Encyclopedia
XLEAGUE.TV was a broadcast production unit owned by The New World Assembly Group, creating and providing content on its primary subject of video games. It looks to cover competitive video gaming called eSports by providing coverage for organisers like the Electronic Sports League and United Kingdom eSports Association
.
The channel partners with EVS Broadcast Equipment
, to use its live outside broadcast digital video production systems on television productions.
Fresh new programming was announced to air alongside its existing line-up of shows. This was the result of community feedback from its viewers.
The channel recently announced that it was partnering with fellow UK tournament organisers, Enemy Down to run a series of team games for titles including Counter-Strike: Source
in the Packard Bell
European Open, which the hardware manufacturer will be supporting with prizes.
XLEAGUE.TV announced a brand alliance with the Alex Zane
Breakfast Show on UK radio station, XFM
.
It was revealed that the channel had entered into an agreement with US men's entertainment channel MavTV
, who had provided the niche sports content.
The channel rebrands as Pulse
, which would be made up of separately branded XLEAGUE.TV and MavTV blocks. The EPG channel number moved to SKY channel 208. The channel still retains all the XLEAGUE programmes and website, prior to the rebrand.
XLEAGUE.TV, alongside the Metropolitan Police Service
, TNWA Group, Packard Bell
, London Borough of Southwark
, Microsoft
and Electronic Arts
launch Project Gamerz, an initiative to bring eSports to the local community..
In February 2008, the channel held its biggest prize funded event yet and was the biggest Halo 3 tournament Europe had seen so far. Since September 2007, the teams had been playing to fight to the top of the leaderboard, and in February 2008, the finalds were held in te studios and broadcast on the channel. The Incredibles (Now Team Dignitas - http://www.team-dignitas.net/) came 1st and won 5k between them. Team Devastation (http://www.devastationuk.com) came second and won 2.5k to share. This was the last tournament Xleague held and is still the biggest event europe has seen
Pulse continues with its "brand block" by introducing Martial Arts TV into the channel.
Portland TV denies that XLEAGUE.TV has been axed. The channel was in an consultation period and reassessing its content and format.
On 6 February 2009, it was announced that XLEAGUE.TV has been bought out by TNWA Group and that XLEAGUE.TV will become a productions unit to create shows for other outlets. Its online operations has been merged with Enemy Down.
, which had a broader remit, to cover video games in general. The channel is closely paired to its own self-titled website. The online resource encourages community discussion, while also serving as a platform to organise tournaments and invitational events, some of which may later be screened, on the channel, via its flagship programme, The Match.
The XLEAGUE.TV website provided interviews with standout competitors, be they clan
s or individuals. General news updates are provided from the world of gaming, along with the ability to sign up to participate in league or tournaments, in the search of recognition, fun and prizes. Some games offer sponsored free-play, whilst others require a subscription for entrance.
Users can upload videos they have created on the website as well, which may be featured in future programming. The site also offers a community podcast in the form of Talkback, in which XLEAGUE.TV community and channel staff offer their views on raised concerns, and fill the audience in as to upcoming highlights.
The channel went through a rebrand, where XLEAGUE.TV became a "brand block", alongside MavTV, Cultra and Martial Arts TV on Pulse
, an entertainment channel previously on the British Sky Broadcasting
satellite network in the United Kingdom
and Republic of Ireland
.
platform:
United Kingdom eSports Association
The United Kingdom eSports Association or UKeSA was a governing body of eSports in the United Kingdom and a member of the International eSports Federation . The headquarters were in London, United Kingdom....
.
History
XLEAGUE.TV was launched on SKY channel 291, on 16 May 2007.The channel partners with EVS Broadcast Equipment
EVS Broadcast Equipment
EVS Broadcast Equipment SA manufactures live outside broadcast digital video production systems.Its recorders have become the dominant standard for broadcasters worldwide...
, to use its live outside broadcast digital video production systems on television productions.
Fresh new programming was announced to air alongside its existing line-up of shows. This was the result of community feedback from its viewers.
The channel recently announced that it was partnering with fellow UK tournament organisers, Enemy Down to run a series of team games for titles including Counter-Strike: Source
Counter-Strike: Source
Counter-Strike: Source is an FPS video game developed by Valve Corporation. It is a complete remake of Counter-Strike using the Source game engine. As in the original, Counter-Strike: Source pits a team of counter-terrorists against a team of terrorists in a series of rounds...
in the Packard Bell
Packard Bell
Packard Bell is a Dutch computer manufacturer and a subsidiary of Acer. The name was previously used by Packard Bell, an American radio manufacturer founded in 1926. In 1986, Israeli investors bought the name for a newly formed personal computer manufacturer. Originally the company produced...
European Open, which the hardware manufacturer will be supporting with prizes.
XLEAGUE.TV announced a brand alliance with the Alex Zane
Alex Zane
Alex Zane is an English television presenter and DJ.-Background:Zane was born in Leeds and attended Boston Spa School before going on to study Medicine at University College London, a course which he left after a year, and then Media and Communications at Goldsmiths College.-Stand-up comedy and...
Breakfast Show on UK radio station, XFM
Xfm
Xfm is a brand of two commercial radio stations focused on alternative music, primarily indie pop, and owned by Global Radio.-History:Xfm was created in London in 1992 by Sammy Jacob, who later co-founded NME Radio in 2008. Xfm subsequently expanded to a network of four stations; there are...
.
It was revealed that the channel had entered into an agreement with US men's entertainment channel MavTV
MavTV
Mav TV is a digital cable channel, focused towards men in the 18-54 age group. It features original programming centered around topics that appeals to men, such as sports, comedies, gadgets, gaming, and women.-History:...
, who had provided the niche sports content.
The channel rebrands as Pulse
Pulse (TV channel)
Pulse was an entertainment channel focusing on eSports as well as American extreme sports, classic films and mixed martial arts, broadcasting in the United Kingdom on British Sky Broadcasting....
, which would be made up of separately branded XLEAGUE.TV and MavTV blocks. The EPG channel number moved to SKY channel 208. The channel still retains all the XLEAGUE programmes and website, prior to the rebrand.
XLEAGUE.TV, alongside the Metropolitan Police Service
Metropolitan Police Service
The Metropolitan Police Service is the territorial police force responsible for Greater London, excluding the "square mile" of the City of London which is the responsibility of the City of London Police...
, TNWA Group, Packard Bell
Packard Bell
Packard Bell is a Dutch computer manufacturer and a subsidiary of Acer. The name was previously used by Packard Bell, an American radio manufacturer founded in 1926. In 1986, Israeli investors bought the name for a newly formed personal computer manufacturer. Originally the company produced...
, London Borough of Southwark
London Borough of Southwark
The London Borough of Southwark is a London borough in south east London, England. It is directly south of the River Thames and the City of London, and forms part of Inner London.-History:...
, Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
and Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts, Inc. is a major American developer, marketer, publisher and distributor of video games. Founded and incorporated on May 28, 1982 by Trip Hawkins, the company was a pioneer of the early home computer games industry and was notable for promoting the designers and programmers...
launch Project Gamerz, an initiative to bring eSports to the local community..
In February 2008, the channel held its biggest prize funded event yet and was the biggest Halo 3 tournament Europe had seen so far. Since September 2007, the teams had been playing to fight to the top of the leaderboard, and in February 2008, the finalds were held in te studios and broadcast on the channel. The Incredibles (Now Team Dignitas - http://www.team-dignitas.net/) came 1st and won 5k between them. Team Devastation (http://www.devastationuk.com) came second and won 2.5k to share. This was the last tournament Xleague held and is still the biggest event europe has seen
Pulse continues with its "brand block" by introducing Martial Arts TV into the channel.
Portland TV denies that XLEAGUE.TV has been axed. The channel was in an consultation period and reassessing its content and format.
On 6 February 2009, it was announced that XLEAGUE.TV has been bought out by TNWA Group and that XLEAGUE.TV will become a productions unit to create shows for other outlets. Its online operations has been merged with Enemy Down.
The channel
When XLEAGUE.TV was previously owned by Portland TV, XLEAGUE.TV was an eSports channel concentrating on the competitive side of video gaming. In this respect, it differs from other examples of video game programming in the country, such as CybernetCybernet
Cybernet was a weekly video gaming magazine programme, originally broadcast overnight on the ITV network in the United Kingdom. The programme was commissioned by Yorkshire Television and produced by Capricorn Programmes and also aired on GBC TV in Gibraltar...
, which had a broader remit, to cover video games in general. The channel is closely paired to its own self-titled website. The online resource encourages community discussion, while also serving as a platform to organise tournaments and invitational events, some of which may later be screened, on the channel, via its flagship programme, The Match.
The XLEAGUE.TV website provided interviews with standout competitors, be they clan
Clan
A clan is a group of people united by actual or perceived kinship and descent. Even if lineage details are unknown, clan members may be organized around a founding member or apical ancestor. The kinship-based bonds may be symbolical, whereby the clan shares a "stipulated" common ancestor that is a...
s or individuals. General news updates are provided from the world of gaming, along with the ability to sign up to participate in league or tournaments, in the search of recognition, fun and prizes. Some games offer sponsored free-play, whilst others require a subscription for entrance.
Users can upload videos they have created on the website as well, which may be featured in future programming. The site also offers a community podcast in the form of Talkback, in which XLEAGUE.TV community and channel staff offer their views on raised concerns, and fill the audience in as to upcoming highlights.
The channel went through a rebrand, where XLEAGUE.TV became a "brand block", alongside MavTV, Cultra and Martial Arts TV on Pulse
Pulse (TV channel)
Pulse was an entertainment channel focusing on eSports as well as American extreme sports, classic films and mixed martial arts, broadcasting in the United Kingdom on British Sky Broadcasting....
, an entertainment channel previously on the British Sky Broadcasting
British Sky Broadcasting
British Sky Broadcasting Group plc is a satellite broadcasting, broadband and telephony services company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with operations in the United Kingdom and the Ireland....
satellite network in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
.
Recent programmes and projects
Since its departure as a television channel, the production unit has produced or has been involved in the following:- UKeSA Season 1 Grand Finals -
- XLEAGUE.TV and QuadV worked together to broadcast the United Kingdom eSports Association Season One finals over IPTV via QuadV.com and Enemydown.eu.
Past programmes
A wealth of shows were produced during the air of its television channel on the British Sky BroadcastingBritish Sky Broadcasting
British Sky Broadcasting Group plc is a satellite broadcasting, broadband and telephony services company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with operations in the United Kingdom and the Ireland....
platform:
- Casual Gaming Show - Runtime: 60 mins / Episodes: 1
- Aimed at a younger audience, the Casual Gaming Show was family orientated, offering a competitive but fun way of playing against one another.
- Download - Runtime: 30 mins / Episodes: 3
- Weekly gadgets and film review show, looking at the latest technological products and digital movies.
- eSports Weekly - Runtime: 15-30 mins / Episodes: 9
- eSports Weekly is a news magazine, reporting on the activities and results of competitive video games competition around the world.
- Game60Game60Game60 is a programme which airs for sixty seconds and broadcast daily. It aims to offer concise news updates to keep viewers up-to-date on the latest video games news and the latest developments on XLEAGUE.TV, both with regard to the competitions the channel supports and upcoming programming.-See...
- Runtime: 1 min / Episode: Unknown
- Game60 was a news programme which aired for sixty seconds and broadcast daily.
- Games NightGames NightGames Night is a fortnightly discussion show originally presented by Alan Boiston and currently by Paul Vale that aims to discuss issues suggested for inclusion by members of the XLEAGUE.TV forums...
- Runtime: 30-60 mins / Episodes: 32
- Games Night was a discussion and review show that aimed to discuss issues suggested for inclusion by members of the XLEAGUE.TV forums. Special guests were selected from a pool of recognized community members, pro-gamers and industry experts.
- The show went on to win the Intent Media's Games Media Awards in 2008, taking the Games Broadcast category.
- Gear Slot - Runtime: 15 mins / Episodes: 3
- Guru Larry's Retro Corner - Runtime: 15 mins / Episodes: 49
- Guru Larry's Retro Corner was a weekly segment, which covered a different title from gaming history.
- H3O - Runtime: 30 mins / Episodes: 13
- H3O was a magazine style show dedicated to Bungie Studio's Halo franchise. The show covered news on the video game, such as the expansion map packs, and the competitive nature around the world.
- Inside GamingInside GamingInside Gaming is a fifteen-minute to thirty minute programme delivered in a documentary format , in which a reporter travels anywhere around the world in order to cover key events related to gaming...
- Runtime: 15-60 mins / Episodes: 45
- Inside Gaming was a documentary, in which a reporter cover key events related to gaming. It often covers interviews from key people in the industry, as well as pre-release video game events, and eSports competitions.
- Reviewmageddon - Runtime: 15-30 mins / Episodes: Unknown
- Reviewmageddon was an alternative review show, which took a light-hearted, humorous look at video game titles. The show was originally fifteen minutes in length, but due to its popularity, the show was increased to a full thirty minutes after the fourth episode.
- Road To Berlin: FIFA Interactive World Cup - Runtime: 30 mins / Episodes: 6
- Road To Berlin was a off-the-wall documentary and studio discussion series following potential UK champions of the Electronic Art's FIFA video game.
- The Chart - Runtime: 30 mins / Episodes: Unknown
- The Chart was a weekly video game chart show, compiled from the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association video game sales charts.
- The Edge - Runtime: 15 mins / Episodes: 1
- The Edge was a video games guide on how to play a particular video game at a competitive level, generally narrated by professional eSports players.
- The MatchThe Match (XLEAGUE.TV series)Was the flagship show of now defunct XLEAGUE.TV, The Match was a studio based show which delivered highlights from tournament and league play from XLEAGUE.TV's club and league competition....
- Runtime: 45-90 mins / Episodes: Unknown
- The Match is a studio based show, delivering highlights from tournament and league play from eSports competitions.
- TrailblazersTrailblazers (TV series)Trailblazers is a television series that airs on XLEAGUE.TV in the United Kingdom. It shows the latest trailers from video games to be released in the future. It began airing on 14 October 2007 with a 576i SDTV picture format.-External links:*...
- Runtime: 15 mins / Episodes: 14
- Trailblazers showed the latest trailers from games to be released in the future.
- Wez and Larry's Top Tens - Runtime: 30 mins / Episodes: 10
- Wez and Larry's Top Tens was a comedy based top ten series featuring the best and the worst of the gaming world.