Major League Gaming Brings its First App to the Big Screen on Xbox 360

The growth of competitive video gaming, also known as eSports, and video streaming over the last year has been exponential. Today, the Xbox Apps Store is expanding with a new channel of popular eSports and gaming content, adding the Major League Gaming (MLG) app for Xbox 360. For the first time, MLG, the global leader in eSports, is bringing MLG.tv’s premium video content directly to Xbox Live Gold subscribers in the U.S, Canada, U.K., and Australia. You can access more information and the MLG.tv programming schedule at www.MLG.tv.    

We sat down with Sundance DiGiovanni, co-founder and CEO of MLG, to talk about MLG’s debut app for Xbox 360 (the company’s first app for the big screen), MLG.tv programming and future plans. Check out the Q&A below.

Xbox Wire: What is MLG all about?
Sundance DiGiovanni:  Think of MLG as both the NFL and the ESPN for competitive video games.  We operate the longest-running competitive gaming league in North America, including Pro Circuit competitions around the country and millions of players competing online each month via our MLG: Play/Gamebattles online competition site.  On top of that, we broadcast the best in competitive gaming daily via our premium streaming platform – MLG.tv – which you can now watch via the MLG app for Xbox 360.

XW: Why did MLG decide to build an app for Xbox 360?
SD: At MLG, we are dedicated to delivering the best competitive gaming content to our fans around the globe via all of their touch points. Our fans have been asking for an MLG experience for Xbox and we are excited to bring them the programming they want via Xbox Live.  Now watching MLG.tv content is even easier because it can be accessed seamlessly through Xbox.

XW: Why should Xbox Live subscribers download the MLG App for Xbox 360?
SD: MLG, eSports and gaming fans around the globe have been clamoring for an MLG app and now, for the first time, Xbox Live Gold subscribers can seamlessly watch all of MLG.tv’s premium video content directly through their Xbox 360.  This is an exciting addition for us and we are thrilled to be able to deliver the content our fans love through this new distribution channel.  Xbox Live subscribers can download the app today to have instant access to our robust array of competitive gaming content.  

XW: What type of programming can Xbox Live subscribers watch via the MLG app?
SD: At MLG, we pride ourselves on delivering highly produced gaming content that showcases a variety of games, the best players and teams in the world, competitive leagues from around the globe, original shows like eSports Report covering the latest gaming news, MLG’s own Pro Circuit competitions and streaming partners like YouTube sensations Syndicate and Seananners. We will also be rolling out new content regularly.  The app is being released just in time for the “Call of Duty” $1 Million Championship being broadcast exclusively via MLG.tv, the MLG app and the Xbox dashboard beginning Friday, March 28 at 9 a.m. PDT and continuing through the finals on Sunday, March 30.  Plus, fans will be able to watch the next MLG Championship broadcast live from Anaheim, Calif., June 20-22 featuring “Call of Duty: Ghosts,” “StarCraft II,” “Super Smash Bros. Melee” and other games to be announced soon. Whether you are a “Call of Duty” fan looking to watch top players like Nadeshot and Scumpii or are looking for a quick eSports Update, you can watch it all with the MLG App.  MLG app users can access the programming schedule at www.mlg.tv/schedule.

XW: What about the future of MLG – will there be an MLG app for Xbox One?
SD: The MLG app for Xbox 360 is the first time we’ve put an app on the TV – through a console or other channels – and is just the beginning. We do plan to release an MLG app for Xbox One later this year. We have a lot of new programs, shows and competitions in the works and look forward to broadcasting them all through the app.

XW: Do you have a favorite game to play on Xbox?
SD: Right now I’m obsessed with “Project Spark” and “Titanfall.” 

XW: What’s your gamertag?
SD: MLG Sundance is the one I use to play with community members.