Over the weekend rumors started floating around that Microsoft had opened up its Xbox Live service to make online play free of charge for silver level members on certain cross-platform titles. And while it may have sounded too good to be true, GameDaily BIZ can now confirm that this is indeed true.
A Microsoft spokesperson told us today, "Last week we announced that we were taking off the Gold-only restriction for multiplayer gaming over Games for Windows- LIVE. For a limited time, we are offering free online multiplayer on Xbox 360/ Games for Windows titles that offer LIVE cross platform play. This promotion won't last, so we encourage everyone to take advantage of it while they can."
Microsoft added, "When the new Xbox experience launches this fall all multiplayer gaming on Xbox 360 will be for Gold members only."
Currently, just three titles support this cross-platform online play between Xbox Live and Games for Windows – Live: Universe at War, Shadowrun and Lost Planet: Colonies Edition.
It'd be nice for gamers to think that this move by Microsoft is a pre-cursor to the company actually making Xbox Live free for all, but don't get your hopes up. An MS rep added that this is "definitely not a permanent thing."
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