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An NHL GameCenter app will launch today on Xbox Live, just in time for the puck to drop tomorrow on the lockout-shortened 2013 NHL season, Microsoft's Major Nelson announced today.
Microsoft originally announced the app at E3 2012. An NHL GameCenter app has been available on PlayStation 3 since November 2010, but it required a separate $9.99 per season payment atop the GameCenter membership until October 2011, when it became free.
The free GameCenter app on Xbox Live lets users keep up with live NHL scores, stats and standings, and watch video highlights after games are completed. Those who subscribe to GameCenter Live — which typically costs upwards of $139.99 for a full season, but is available this year for $49.99 because of the lockout-shortened 48-game season — can watch livestreams of out-of-market NHL games in HD. GameCenter Live also includes full-length archived games, condensed replays and more than 800 classic games on demand.
The Xbox Live app features Kinect integration, allowing users to navigate the interface with their hands or play, pause and rewind game footage. It will be available worldwide except in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden; users in those countries can use the Viaplay app to watch NHL games.
