Microsoft goes Indie as they are launching a new channel devoted to original video content based around gaming. The Guild, a popular web series based around the saga of people who play World of Warcraft, will premiere with it's long awaited second season tomorrow night on on Xbox's new Independent Video. Felicia Day, writer and star of the web based series, spent more than a year shopping for a deal that would allow her to still maintain the intellectual property rights to her own series, and quote:
"I was adamant about holding on to the rights of my series," she said.
Before she struck a deal with Microsoft that included an undisclosed up front licence fee (ca-ching!). Along with that, Microsoft hold no rights to revenue should the series go on to television or even film. A deal which puts Ms. Day in complete control over her creation.
The Guild is only one about about 5 or 6 new shows to hit the channel, joining them will be other gamer themed titles such as "The Jace Hall Show," and "Red vs. Blue," along with the first season of The Guild.
The downside? The words "fee-based programming" come into play. Come on, I can hear your groan from here. They charge for freakin' fake clothes for your XBL Mii, you think you were getting off scot-free?
Thats right, what you could once watch for free you now pay to see... or at least, you could also wait four weeks... as episodes shown on the new Independent Video channel will then be migrated back to watchtheguild.com, where they will be free to watch but still Microsoft Ad supported.
If you are curious, here is the first episode of The Guild, Season 1:
