XLEAGUE.TV was launched on Sky channel 291, on 16 May 2007. The channel partnered with EVS Broadcast Equipment, to use its live outside broadcast digital videoproduction systems on television productions. Fresh new programming was announced to air alongside its existing line-up of shows. This was the result of community feedback from its viewers. On 12 October 2007, the channel announced that it was partnering with fellow UK tournament organisers, Enemy Down to run a series of team games for titles including in the Packard Bell European Open, which the hardware manufacturer will be supporting with prizes. On 8 November 2007, XLEAGUE.TV announced a brand alliance with the Alex Zane Breakfast Show on UK radio station, XFM. It was revealed on 22 January 2008 that the channel had entered into an agreement with US men's entertainment channel MavTV, who had provided the niche sports content. The channel rebranded as Pulse on 13 February 2008, which was made up of separately branded XLEAGUE.TV and MavTV blocks. The EPG channel number moved to Sky channel 208. The channel still retained all the XLEAGUE programmes and website, prior to the rebrand. XLEAGUE.TV, alongside the Metropolitan Police Service, TNWA Group, Packard Bell, London Borough of Southwark, Microsoft and Electronic Arts launched Project Gamerz on 28 February 2008, an initiative to bring eSports to the local community. In February 2008, the channel held its biggest prize funded event yet and was the biggest Halo 3 tournament Europe had seen. From September 2007, the teams had been playing to fight to the top of the leaderboard, and in February 2008, the finals were held in the studios and broadcast on the channel. The Incredibles came 1st and won 5k between them. Team Devastation came second and won 2.5k to share. This was the last tournament XLEAGUE held. Pulse continued with its "brand block" by introducing Martial Arts TV onto the channel on 8 July 2008. Portland TV denied that XLEAGUE.TV has been axed. The channel was in a consultation period and reassessing its content and format. On 6 February 2009, it was announced that it had been bought out by TNWA Group and that it will become a productions unit to create shows for other outlets. Its online operations has been merged with Enemy Down.
The channel
When XLEAGUE.TV was previously owned by Portland TV, it was an eSports channel concentrating on the competitive side of video gaming. In this respect, it differed from other examples of video game programming in the country, such as Cybernet, which had a broader remit, to cover video games in general. The channel was closely paired to its own self-titled website. The online resource encouraged community discussion, while also serving as a platform to organise tournaments and invitational events, some of which may later be screened, on the channel, via its flagship programme, The Match. The website provided interviews with standout competitors, be they clans or individuals. General news updates were provided from the world of gaming, along with the ability to sign up to participate in league or tournaments, in the search of recognition, fun and prizes. Some games offer sponsored free-play, whilst others required a subscription for entrance. Users could upload videos they have created on the website as well. The site also offered a community podcast in the form of Talkback, in which the XLEAGUE.TV community and channel staff offered their views on raised concerns, and filled the audience in as to upcoming highlights. The channel went through a rebrand, where XLEAGUE.TV became a "brand block", alongside MavTV, Cultra and Martial Arts TV on Pulse, an entertainment channel previously on the British Sky Broadcasting satellite network in both Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Recent programmes and projects
Since its departure as a television channel, the production unit has produced or has been involved in the following:
UKeSA Season 1 Grand Finals –
Past programmes
A wealth of shows were produced during the air of its television channel on the British Sky Broadcasting platform:
