MLG, TwitchTV partner with GameSpot

GameSpot parent company CBS Interactive raised its stake in online game broadcasting today, announcing a pair of exclusive partnerships with e-sports organization Major League Gaming and game broadcasting network TwitchTV.

As part of its deal with MLG, CBS Interactive will be the exclusive online broadcaster for the league's Pro Circuit competitions. MLG's 2011 Pro Circuit season saw more than 15 million hours of live video streamed by fans, and the 2012 season has scheduled nearly 2,500 hours of live competition among thousands of the world's top players for broadcasting.

The TwitchTV deal will see CBS Interactive exclusively handling advertising, promotions, and sponsorship opportunities for the network's community, which consists of 16 million monthly users and hosts players, commentators, and live gaming events.