China seems to be the hottest new game market in the industry right now. Sony and Nintendo have both announced plans to try and extend their reach to Chinese territories. Now, Microsoft is partnering with a Chinese media company to develop games and games services.
The company in question is BesTV. Microsoft and BesTV are investing a $237 million dollars in a new company, with BesTV holding a 51 percent stake in the company and Microsoft holding 49 percent. The company will be called E-Home Entertainment Development. Microsoft will choose E-Home’s CEO and BesTV will appoint its board chairman.
Chinese media reports have been claiming that this new company will be developing a new console called the Bestpad. The console would be based off of Xbox Technology. BesTV is known for its Smart TV models, and is also a leading Internet and television provider in China.
It is unlikely that any of the products of this new initiative will come to the states. Still, the growing video game market as a result of the recent lifting of China’s console ba, will certainly cause a new boom for the gaming industry. We will bring you more information on E-Home, Microsoft, and BesTV as it becomes available.
Source: Polygon