Skip to main content

ESPN May Stream Sporting Events via Xbox Live

xbox-360It appears that ESPN is looking to branch out into even more venues. A few weeks ago, DailyTech reported that ESPN is working on a 3D-only network which will launch on June 11. The network is set to air at least 85 sporting events drying its first year of availability.

Now, according to the New York Times, ESPN streaming may be coming to Xbox Live. That means that roughly 20 million Xbox Live users will have access to the service which is said to be similar to ESPN 360. Unfortunately, those of you looking to get a freebie will be disappointed — the Xbox Live ESPN service will require a separate fee in addition to your Xbox Live Gold subscription.

Recommended Videos

The reported streaming ESPN service would join other non-gaming features of the Xbox 360 including native Netflix streaming, Twitter, and Facebook integration.

“For both of the big guys, it’s about extending the value of the hardware platform,” said Garnet VP Mike McGuire. “The devices are hooked to TVs and have broadband connections, and there are more and more opportunities to license movies and TV shows and deliver them in over-the-top models.”

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer noted during this keynote at CES that Microsoft has sold over 39 million Xbox 360s since its introduction and roughly $20 billion has been spent on games.

Dena Cassella
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Haole built. O'ahu grown
Ubisoft will not attend E3 2023, but it will still host a summer live stream
Basim showing off his hidden blade.

Ubisoft will no longer be attending E3 2023, even though it said it would participate in February. Instead, the game publisher behind Assassin's Creed and Far Cry plans to hold its own Ubisoft Forward Live event in Los Angeles this June.
Ubisoft confirmed its change in plans to Video Games Chronicle today, with a spokesperson saying that while Ubisoft "initially intended to have an official E3 presence, we've made the subsequent decision to move in a different direction." This is a change in messaging from just over a month ago when Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said, "If E3 happens, we will be there, and we will have a lot of things to show."
What caused this change of heart in Ubisoft is unclear. However, it seems like the company found that it could still successfully promote its game lineup without being attached to the Entertainment Software Association's event. We don't know much about the Ubisoft Forward Live event other than it'll take place on June 12 in Los Angeles, but Ubisoft tells VGC that "we look forward to sharing more details with our players very soon."
This puts E3 2023 in a weird overall spot, as we currently know more about the companies that won't be at the event -- like Microsoft, Ubisoft, and Nintendo -- than we do about the publishers that will actually be there. After being canceled in 2020 and 2022 and being digital-only in 2021, E3 2023 was supposed to be the annual gaming trade show's grand return. Right now, though, the relevance and viability of E3 2023 are questionable.
ReedPop has not yet commented on the fact that Ubisoft is no longer attending E3 2023. 

Read more
The best game-streaming services for 2023
A Nintendo Switch connected to the internet.

Streaming is the newest way we consume media, and while it has caught on across film, TV, and music, it still has some catching up to do in the video game space. Still, there are some video game streaming services that have made significant strides toward ubiquity such as Xbox Game Pass, PS Plus, and even some on PC. Other services like Google Stadia haven't garnered the same amount of success, failing to capture an audience before eventually shuttering.

While there certainly are fewer popular game streaming services than before, there's a handful you'll want to be aware of depending on what you're looking for. With that in mind, these are the best video game streaming services for 2023.
Xbox Game Pass (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC*)
Xbox Game Pass Walkthrough

Read more
Best Xbox Live Gold deals for January 2023
xbox one s x deals ebay brandsmart spring sale review 50 1500x1000

While a subscription to Xbox Live is technically optional, gaming without it is missing so many core elements of the experience: multiplayer, free games, and more. So if you're a proud owner of the Xbox 360, Xbox One, or the new Xbox Series X, you should definitely sign up for an Xbox Live Gold membership. Since it can be expensive, and to help you enjoy savings and keep your video game budget intact, we've scoured the web and rounded up all the best Xbox Live Gold sales in one place, including Xbox Live Gold 1-Month, Xbox Live Gold 3-Month, and Xbox Live Gold 6-Month subscriptions. You should also check out the 12-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which offers more benefits beyond Xbox Live Gold membership.
Best Xbox Live Gold deals
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 1-month membership -- $13, was $15

Play brand new titles like Starfield on day one, when they launch, or access iconic titles from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda Softworks, and much more. You can also play online, access online Xbox Live features, and get exclusive member discounts. This digital code offers 1-month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Read more