Today Microsoft celebrates the fifth anniversary of Xbox Live. That the latest membership figures show more than eight million members are now actively engaged in Xbox Live, which has grown from a small community of gamers in two countries, playing a handful of games online with their friends, to a worldwide social entertainment network offering online access to gaming, music and video entertainment. As a gesture of thanks to the community, all members will have the opportunity to download a free Xbox Live Arcade game until 9pm 17th November. In addition to this, every active Gold member who joined the service at launch will receive 500 MS Points for free.
Starting on 4th December, all Xbox Live members will receive a free system update with new features and enhancements. Included in this update will be the launch of the “Xbox Originals,” which, for the first time, will enable consumers to download and own full Xbox games such as Halo, Psychonauts, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge and Fable among others directly to their Xbox 360. This new service will launch with an array of titles spanning the most popular genres from action-adventure to classic role-playing games.

With no disc necessary, and at 1200 Microsoft Points per game, Xbox Live members can easily rediscover these hit titles, or check out a game they missed the first time around. This launch line-up is only the beginning as Xbox 360 owners can expect to see a growing catalogue of Xbox games for download to own over the coming year.

“In just five short years Xbox Live has revolutionised the way friends and family have fun in the living room across the world,” said Mike Newey, EMEA Group Product Marketing Manager, Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division. “Xbox Live truly is the place for hanging out with friends and now they can enjoy full downloadable Xbox games on demand.”

For more information, visit xbox.com.