Microsoft is co-producing a series of digital short films for distribution over the Xbox Live.

Another sign that online gaming networks are becoming more like all-in-one digital-content distribution
channels.

Meanwhile, Sony is eyeing its own exclusive video offerings for distribution over the PlayStation Network.

In July, Microsoft mentioned that they were working with Safran Digital Group’s, Peter Safran, producer of such movies as “Scary Movieâ€Â and “Meet the Spartans,â€Â to produce exclusive comedic shorts for free distribution to Xbox Live’s 12 million members beginning this fall.

It̢۪s the first time Microsoft is getting a producer credit on original content, a company representative said.

The short comedies are actually pilot episodes all in high definition and less than 10 minutes in length so that Microsoft could pick up the episodes as an online series.

“What’s great about it is it stays Xbox branded,â€Â Scott Nocas, group product manager at Xbox Live said.
“We get to be a part of it throughout the entire life cycle of the (intellectual property),â€Â Nocas said.

Microsoft has a substantial lead both in audience and the scope of its content library, which will be further broadened by a partnership with Netflix, who has been distributing digital video over Xbox Live since fall 2006.

By Benjamin J. Romano / McClatchy Tribune