With US video game hardware, software and accessory sales growing 10% in April to the tune of US$636 million, Disney is set to launch D|XP, a daily summer programming block on Disney XD that celebrates gaming culture and community.
Premiering Saturday, July 15 and running from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. ET, the block and its multiplatform extensions will feature original programming devoted to entertainment gaming and eSports that highlight games, publishers, key events and prominent personalities.
Targeted to gamers of all ages, but focused primarily on the 13-plus demographic, D|XP content includes new Disney shows produced in partnership with ESPN, Disney Digital Network and its Maker creators, IGN, Attack Media, Warner Bros. Television Group’s Blue Ribbon Content, Toronto, Canada’s Banger Films, ESL (Electronic Sports League) and VICE’s Waypoint.
Among the programming, Polaris Primetime is a weekly one-hour playthrough gaming and variety show hosted by popular entertainment gaming stars Jimmy Wong of Rocketjump and Strawburry17 (Meghan Camarena). Produced by Disney Digital Network through its gaming editorial voice Polaris and Digomind Productions, the show features scripted comedy, skits and guest appearances by gaming personalities including MatPat, Joey Graceffa and sWooZie.
Another Digomind co-production is Parker Plays, a daily half-hour series where host Parker Coppins of YouTube gaming channel ParkerGames offers comedic gameplay commentary on a selection of games.
Meanwhile, Polaris: Player Select is a “greatest hits” compilation series comprised of top videos from a number of Disney Digital Network’s Maker creators and YouTube stars like Jacksepticeye, Luzugames, Strawburry17, LordMinion777 and LDShadowLady.
Clips from all three shows will also launch across Polaris’ digital channels.
Other shows include Waypoint Presents, a more news-themed program that covers the people, passion and politics of gaming; The IGN Show, where hosts Alanah Pearce (Charalanahzard) and Naomi Kyle serve up new game footage, expert tips and coverage of the biggest gaming and pop culture events; and The Attack, a daily Kevin Pereira-produced variety show hosted by Alex Corea and Erin Steeby.
For eSports fans, ESPN content will offer front-row access to major events, while Banger Films (Disney XD’s Gaming Show) will provide its coverage of Nintendo’s Splatoon, Arms and Pokkén tournaments from E3.
Rounding out the lineup, additional comedy-driven shows co-produced by Blue Ribbon Content will air, as well as speedrunning from ESL.