The Revolution Continues as DIRECTV Transforms Barker Hanger in Santa Monica into Cyber-Gauntlet for All-Star Championship Gaming Invitational
Fatal1ty, Stermy, Master, Maximus, EFGaming, PMS Clan, Chomper to compete for over $80,000 in cash and prizes December 16, 2007
El Segundo, Calif., December XX, 2006-Continuing the commitment to revolutionize professional video gaming, DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television service provider, will host the second Championship Gaming Invitational, an all-day, all-star battle between top industry gamers including Fatal1ty, Stermy, Master , Maximus, Ch0mper, and many others. The television special will tape on Saturday, December 16 at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, California and debut in February 2007 on DIRECTV's channel 101.
Teaming up with Mountain Dew, IGN, Xbox, and Best Buy, the Championship Gaming Invitational will feature international gaming superstars as they vie for $80,000 in prize money, as well as top honors in the four competitions surrounding Dead or Alive 4, Project Gotham Racing 3, Counterstrike: Source, and Quake 4. Pro gamers will also be the first to experience the new World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade debuting in stores January 2007, during the 8-hour competition.
"We've cracked the code in turning competitive gaming into compelling television," said Steven Roberts, DIRECTV Vice President, General Manager Games & Strategic Initiatives. "We have been working closely with the gamers and the publishers to ensure that the viewer at home will get the best experience possible when experiencing this competition via television. We are committed to making Professional Video Gaming the next big trend in entertainment."
The Championship Gaming Invitational is the second half of a two part special designed to set the stage for the Championship Gaming Series debuting in 2007. DIRECTV will bring back 11-time Emmy Award-winner Mike Burks and acclaimed sports producer Arthur Smith to once again elevate professional gaming to a whole new level. The duo will incorporate 17 high definition cameras, multiple virtual cameras inside each of the games, and Dolby Digital audio to capture the excitement both on and off the gaming field.
About DIRECTV, Inc.
DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading satellite television service provider, presents the finest television experience available to more than 15.5 million customers through exclusive content, industry-leading customer service (which has surpassed cable for six years running) and superior technologies. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy over 250 channels of 100% digital picture and sound; exclusive programming and the most comprehensive collection of sports programming available anywhere including NFL SUNDAY TICKET, and MLB EXTRA INNINGS. DIRECTV (NYSE:DTV) also leads the digital television technology revolution with exclusives such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan, US Open Interactive and YES Network Interactive and will soon have the capacity to offer over 150 channels in HD. DIRECTV is approximately 39 percent owned by News Corporation. For the most up-to-date information on the Company, please visit directv.com.