Microsoft already has a good chunk of the hardcore fanbase in the bag, but breaching the casual market has been trying at best. Xbox Live Arcade was a good initiative. Rare Ware created Avatars you can dress up. Banjo Kazooie, Lips, Guitar Hero/Rock Band? Yeah they helped... but what has even the slightest chance of competing with the iconic juggernauts like Mario, Samus and Link that Nintendo has to offer to wagglers worldwide?

There once was a UK game show called BrainTeaser, a live trivia game show where audience members could call in and play live. It was pretty successful but was canceled due to a fake prize winner scandal. Why does this matter to you or me or E3?

Well how about an American Gladiator XBLA game with a live host, real players, real audiences, real tournament playdowns throughout the preceding week to decide who gets to play during the "Live" episode and compete for real prizes? Oh yeah, and all the American Gladiator mini-games are controlled using a new depth sensing, dual camera sensor and a handheld motion sensing peripheral.

It is a convergence of games and TV. Think about it, it's not new media, but hybrid media. You take the winning formula of a game show, a winning formula of interactive entertainment (and Wii Waggle in particular), add a stellar MMO-like online component, personalized Avatars, and real prizes... WIN. Instantly.

Now this isn't some pipe dream, I've been quiet lately, but don't forget I broke the August 2007 Xbox 360 price drop right after Microsoft were "supposed" to announce one at E3 a month earlier. Also, 1 vs. 100 is starting it's beta run tonight in Canada, so it is already happening.

The format is a winning one for TV networks who have lost prime time market share to online video games. Advertisers get targeted demographics in-game and during the "commercial breaks" of the Live game show. Celebrity hosts or players can bring in "crowds" (XBL audience) and pimp their new movie/album/dildo collection like is already being done with the "Game with Fame" initiative. The great thing is that the game shows, advertising and even the celebrities can be regional, a Japanese pop star hosting a wacky Japanese game show with ads for Pocky.

How about this for a North American Prime Time Lineup:
-American Gladiator (Avatars, MMO motion controlled mini-games)
-Family Feud (Avatars, 4-player Party vs 4-player Party)
-Deal or No Deal (Avatars, guest hosts)
-Charades (Live video feed of the contestant acting out the word or phrase)
-Who Wants to be a Millionaire (MMO, audience help, phone a friend, live host)

If you think about it, this is a no-brainer, but if nothing comes out of this, well than maybe Microsoft need to hire me and my over-zealous imagination.