Microsoft Launches New “XBOX XP” Entertainment Division

Microsoft has launched a new division under the XBOX banner, that being XP, which will handle the TV and film side of their business. This will encompass four key areas that the company is looking at expanding.

As revealed directly by XBOX, these four key points are XBOX Pictures, XBOX Products, XBOX Places, and XBOX Partnerships. I think Pictures is the most telling one of the four; it’s their in-house production studio that hopes to bring in “new audiences through film, television, and other forms of linear storytelling.” Meanwhile, its Products side sounds like more quality control may be headed to the stuff with their name attached.

Places will encompass “live events, immersive experiences, attractions, broadcasts, and destinations.” Finally, Partnerships is exactly what it sounds like — focused on forming “new experiences, sponsorships, and brand partnerships.”

To head the whole XBOX XP operation is Kayleen Walters, executive producer of A Minecraft Movie as well as long-time LucasArts staffer.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Microsoft has attempted to get into the movies and TV game. Back in 2012, Xbox Entertainment Studios was formed to expand beyond just games to offer through Xbox Live. Unfortunately, what little they put out there wasn’t enough to keep the division afloat and in only two years, it would go belly up.

I have a hunch it won’t be a short-term project for either party, especially considering the strong interest in movie and TV projects based on IPs XBOX already owns.