In what is clearly a sign of the increasing popularity of professional video game competitions, the World Series of Video Games (WSVG), presented by Intel, today announced deals with key broadcast, cable and satellite networks CBS, CSTV and VOOM HD Networks' GAMEPLAY HD. Consequently, WSVG's 2006 season will see extensive coverage, and it will also mark the first time that professional video game competitions will air on a major U.S. television network. WSVG previously received cable television coverage from MTV on November 17.

In addition to these broadcast and cable deals, which will bring over 20 hours of original programming from the WSVG to audiences in the United States, organizers also said that international distribution plans are in the works.

"Earlier this year, we envisioned that the World Series of Video Games presented by Intel would have more television coverage than any other video game tournament to date," commented Matt Ringel, president of Games Media Properties. "We're pleased to deliver on that goal with a powerful array of broadcast partners that share our passion and commitment to bring the excitement of video game competitions to a wider audience."

The cable and broadcast networks will not be simply recycling the same content either. Each network is to "explore a unique aspect of the WSVG, providing audiences with a window into the exciting culture of video game competitions and budding stars of the gaming world." CBS will kick off its coverage on December 30 at 3 p.m. when they air THEY GOT GAME, Stars of the World Series of Video Games presented by Intel. This one-hour special, filmed during the WSVG finals, hosted by Quddus and produced by Juma Entertainment, will detail the personal stories of five rising stars in professional gaming, most notably Johnathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel.

Following that, CSTV: College Sports Television, which is also a CBS company, will produce and air complete coverage of the first World Series of Video Games Finals—shot at the CSTV Field House at Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex in New York City—as part of a five-week series Sundays at 9 p.m. ET, beginning January 21, 2007. During each one-hour episode, players will be seen competing on various PC and Xbox games, including Counter Strike 1.6, Quake 4, Warcraft III: Frozen Throne, Halo 2, Project Gotham Racing 3 and Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter. In addition, fans will be able to catch the finals live, streamed at cstv.com.

"CSTV is the ideal partner for covering our 2006 Finals. Video games competitions share much in common with the energy, excitement and audience of collegiate sports. CSTV also has one of the best digital media platforms for sports content, so this is a particularly appropriate fit for us," added Ringel.

And moving forward VOOM's GAMEPLAY HD will continue to be the exclusive high-definition partner for WSVG. This month, the HD network will focus on events in Kentucky, Texas and Sweden; more episodes are scheduled for February. Also, similar to cstv.com, fans can check out streaming coverage at gameplayhd.com throughout December, particularly on Fridays at 8 p.m. ET when the new episodes are posted; these will remain available online for a week.