Microsoft Celebrates 8m Subscribers With XBLA Give-Away News

Celebrating its fifth anniversary, Microsoft today announced that Xbox Live subscriptions have passed 8 million and confirmed that 360 owners will shortly be able to download original Xbox titles from the Marketplace.

The figure is particularly impressive given that Microsoft recorded 4 million subscribers during the first four years of the online service, effectively doubling the audience in one year, although the breakdown between Silver and Gold hasn't been made clear in today's announcement.

In an uncharacteristically upbeat mood, Xbox Live subscribers will have the opportunity to download an Xbox Live Arcade title for free between 08:01 a.m. on 15th November 15 and 7:59 a.m. on 17th November. In addition, Xbox 360 owners that subscribed to the Gold package on the 360 launch will receive 500 Microsoft Points.

The heavily delayed 'Fall' dash update will eventually emerge on December 4th, heralding the launch of 'Xbox Originals', which allows 360 owners to download and own titles such as Halo, Psychonauts, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fable for 1200 Microsoft Points.

"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."

Although it's probably cheaper to pop down your local indie game shop and pick up a second-hand copy in most cases, at least this update is a little more appealing to gamers than the woeful integration of Live Messenger in the last dash update.