Custom TV coming to Xbox

Monday 31st March 2008 - 17:00

Made-for console programmes are on the horizon, Haze set for another release date slip and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Wii screens

Xbox 360 gamers have long enjoyed the ability to download movies and popular TV shows via the very handy Xbox Live service. But news has reached us that Microsoft has just signed a deal that will mean the Xbox 360 will have TV shows made specifically for its users - and not just content downloads originating from TV or cinema.

Media Week reports that the console manufacturer has done a deal with Safran Digital Group, a web-based production and distribution company to produce a tailored series for Xbox 360 owners.

Although details have yet to be revealed, we understand that the Safran has been lined up to produce multiple short episode series' aimed at the core 18-34 year old Xbox 360 market; so we'll be spared cute cartoons for kids. There's no clue on plotline yet but the first shows are expected to be published on the network during the summer.

Meanwhile, fans of Ubisoft's forthcoming shooter Haze are in for another disappointment as it has been revealed that the long awaited next gen title looks to once again miss its release date. Trade paper MCV has stated that the publisher has revised the release schedule. Haze was originally set for a May 22 release but now it has simply become 'May'. Although optimists would suggest that the game may be coming out at the start of the month, experience predicts another major slip for a game that has been in development hell for what seems like forever. Our advice: Don't hold your breath. Blue isn't such a great look.

But what is a 'great look' are the brand new exclusive screens from WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 forthcoming on Wii. The game promises to unleash a brand new tag team experience, allowing players to build momentum and attributes, eliminate opponents with high impact double teams and finishers, as well as get the "hot tag" for the win. The franchise's renowned creation system offers a brand new Create-A-Finisher option, while a new Road to WrestleMania Mode paves the way to WWE's biggest event of the year and lets players experience co-op storylines for the first time. There's even a planned online mode! A release is scheduled for autumn 2008 on all major formats.