A few years ago Microsoft created a Primetime channel concept, and while it isn't technically speaking dead. There aren't exactly any signs of life either. The idea is now going on four years old, and has only seen two games total. Those games being 1 vs 100, and Texas Heat Poker. Neither of which were on at the same time as the other, and as a point of fact the second could be considered a sequel to the first. For those that aren't in the know the basic concept was to have games on Live that functioned as large scale community events.
Which surprisingly enough worked fairly well. Microsoft was able to get over two million players to join in, and at one point had over a hundred thousand gamers playing concurrently. It was even cited by many gamers as the reason they renewed their gold memberships. So they could continue to play the game 1 vs 100. Fast forward a few years 1 vs 100 is cancelled, and been replaced by a new game Texas Heat. Which while modestly successful is nowhere near as ambitious as its predecessor was. The game is almost entirely automated, and development seems to have ceased entirely. Basically the game is set up to coast for years with no one at the wheel.
Which begs the question is this a dead concept. Has Microsoft abandoned the concept entirely, or is it simply a question of placing their priorites else where. Which means they can return to further investment in the future. This concept is so far under the radar right now. i would personally be shocked if Microsoft were to actually release a new Primetime game, and I would have my mind completely blown if there were more then one. What are your thoughts about what happened with Primetime, and what should happen with Primetime.
