Last year rumors circulated that Microsoft was seeking a television executive to develop original content for the Xbox, and today the software giant has announced its hire of former CBS Television Studios president Nancy Tellem to fill the role. Tellem will work to create both interactive and "linear" content as Entertainment & Digital Media president, overseeing a new production studio located in Los Angeles.

This move is the latest step in Microsoft's attempt to create a living room entertainment ecosystem beyond simple gaming. Original content will join the new Xbox Music service and expanded Verizon FiOS services, and put the platform on the same footing as Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube — all of which have made similar forays into original content in recent months.

In Microsoft's press release, Tellem said that “The Xbox is already a consumer favorite, and we now have a tremendous opportunity to transform it into the center of all things entertainment — from games, music and fitness to news, sports, live events, television series and movies — so consumers have one destination for all their entertainment needs."