Microsoft rewards subscribers as Xbox Live turns 5

Tech News

By Stevie Smith Nov 15, 2007, 13:43 GMT

Today represents a rather poignant landmark for Microsoft Corporation as it officially celebrates the fifth anniversary of its successful online videogame portal Xbox Live. With registered users of Microsoft’s popular multiplayer service now placed at over 8 million, Microsoft is giving a little something back to its loyal fans to mark Xbox Live’s half-decade. Celebrating five years of service, Microsoft's Xbox Live gives a little something back to its loyal fan base of 8 million subscribers. Credit: Microsoft.

Celebrating five years of service, Microsoft's Xbox Live gives a little something back to its loyal fan base of 8 million subscribers. Credit: Microsoft. More pointedly, every single one of Xbox Live’s registered users will be able to download a free Xbox Live Arcade game starting today (Hexic 2 for Korean users and Carcassonne for everyone else). And, for those users who signed up to the service back in 2002, they will also be graced with 500 Microsoft Points, which can be redeemed for content via the Xbox Live service. The free game download offer will run for 48 hours.Initially consisting of a small community of gaming enthusiasts playing a handful of software titles in just two countries, Xbox Live has since grown exponentially to become a worldwide social entertainment network. Following solid growth during the lifespan of the original Xbox, Microsoft’s online service was further expanded after the Nov 2005 birth of the Xbox 360 and now offers access to gaming content, music, movies, and television shows. It also now covers 26 countries and 9 languages."In just five short years, Xbox LIVE has revolutionized the way friends and family have fun in the living room," enthused John Schappert, corporate vice president of LIVE, software and services at Microsoft. "On its fifth birthday, Xbox LIVE truly is the place for hanging out with friends and enjoying downloadable TV shows, movies, videos, game add-ons and now downloadable Xbox games on demand." Beyond the golden trumpets raised to the heavens for Xbox Live’s fifth birthday, Microsoft Corp. is to also roll out a free system update for Xbox 360 users, which will be released on December 04. The update will include the launch of Xbox Originals, which will enable international users to download and own complete software titles that initially made their debuts on the Microsoft Xbox console. Various notable titles will be made available in return for 1,200 Microsoft Points (the equivalent of $15 USD), including the likes of FPS epic ‘Halo,’ the humorous and imaginative world of ‘Psychonauts,’ and the sweeping RPG grandeur of ‘Fable.’

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