It’s Christmas in August as Xbox Live Announces Enticing New Holiday Offer

New 12 Month Starter Kit to include everything you need to connect and play online including a full version of “Project Gotham Racing 2”.

Microsoft announced today that a new version of the 12 Month Xbox Live™ Starter Kit is now available in retail stores. The package, which retails for $69.99, includes a 12 month Xbox Live subscription, an Xbox Live Communicator Headset, a full version of the award-winning “Project Gotham Racing 2” and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade. New Xbox Live gamers will enjoy more than 300 games this holiday, along with more than 400 pieces of downloadable game content.

“This unique package makes it easier than ever before to connect with millions of gamers, make new friends and enjoy voice chat in game,” said Aaron Greenberg, Group Product Marketing Manager. “’Project Gotham Racing 2’ is one of the most successful franchises on Xbox Live to date and nothing beats the thrill of racing online against real gamers around the world, anytime, anywhere.”

Xbox Live Arcade offers quick and easy access to coin-op classics like “Dig Dug” and “Galaga” and broad-appeal favorites like “Bejeweled”, “Zuma” and “Bankshot Billiards” amongst its catalog of downloadable game titles.

In addition to the 12 month option, a new three month Xbox Live Starter kit will be available this summer for $39.99. This offer, which hits retail shelves in mid-August, will include a three month Xbox Live subscription, an Xbox Live Communicator Headset, and demos of the hugely popular Xbox games, “MechAssault 2” and “Outrun 2.”

Xbox Live is a universal service, so gamers will be able to transfer Xbox Live memberships seamlessly from Xbox to Xbox 360, while still enjoying online games and entertainment on the current-generation system.

About Xbox Live
Xbox Live continues to transform and unite Xbox game communities worldwide, with more than 300 games planned by end of holiday 2005 for Xbox and now with presence in 24 countries worldwide. As the first global, unified online console games service, Xbox Live continues to take online gameplay and entertainment to unprecedented heights. With a dynamic, global community of 2 million members, Xbox Live offers best-in-class games, intelligent matchmaking, tournaments, unique programming and integration with Xbox.com — there is simply nothing else like it.