Microsoft rolls out Xbox Arena feature, bringing esports to the masses

LOS ANGELES -- Microsoft is bringing a bit of the esports tournament atmosphere to the home with Xbox Arena, a daily-tournament platform that could give it an edge over Sony in the competitive gang realm.

Xbox Arena launched this week and will immediately begin hosting daily Killer Instinct tournaments.

Arena is the first streamlined console-based tournament platform, and is already an improvement over the old way to participate in online contests: Traditionally you'd need to use a website like MLG.TV to register, then scour the depths of gaming forums to find teammates.

Within the existing Xbox Live feature Clubs, there's already a place to find, correspond, and compete with other online players.

Arena will allow casual and hardcore gamers to go head-to-head in daily tournaments across the Xbox One and the Xbox app on Windows 10 (still in beta form).

Microsoft is working with several developers to bring games like Gears of War 4, Smite, Halo and more. EA will be partnering up with Arena as well so you might want to brush up on your FIFA.

Right now there's no word on entry fees or prize purses, but there was an "entry fee" field on a teaser screen shown to press many months ago -- so maybe that's in the works?

From Arena to Clubs, Microsoft is leading the way for esports to be more accessible. Hang tight though -- if you want to get your hands on Xbox Arena you have to be a part of the Xbox Preview program, which is currently invite-only.

No official word when it will hit all consoles.