New deal will bring competitive gaming to TV

Major League Gaming, a professional video-game league, has announced a content distribution deal that will bring its original programming to a variety of platforms including television and mobile video. The league has partnered with media development and production company Flame Ventures, as well as with talent agency Endeavor, in a push to expand the reach of competitive gaming coverage. While details have not yet been released, gaming fans can expect to see some of Major League Gaming's most prominent 2007 events, like the Boost Mobile-sponsored Pro Circuit tour, on television stations as well as through mobile distribution.

With wider coverage, Major League Gaming hopes that competitive video gaming will earn a spot in the sports television world akin to that of auto racing or championship poker. Last year, Major League Gaming signed its first cable television deal, which brought seven hour-long gaming segments about the league's Pro Circuit to NBC Universal's USA Network. Major League Gaming, which attracts many top gamers including Halo aficionados, was also a presence at the World Series of Video Games championships in December. That competition was televised on the CBS-owned College Sports Television Network.