Play By Microsoft’s Rules and Get a Free XBLA Game

Microsoft’s got itself a pretty nifty deal for those of you who are about to unwrap a new Xbox 360 console this holiday season and join the legion of Xbox Live members, or perhaps for those who might be looking to re-up their Gold Xbox Live memberships.

How does a free XBLA game, from a roster of five titles selected by Microsoft, sound to you as a bonus for signing up for 12 months of Xbox Live? There are a few small hoops to jump through as with any promotion, but nothing that should be a dealbreaker for anyone.

1. Sign up for 12 months of Xbox Live Gold between now and January 5. It must be done directly through Xbox Live, meaning you can’t use that prepaid card your mom or significant other bought you as a gift.

2. Decide what game you want free: Zuma, Marble Blast, Sonic the Hedgehog, Assault Heroes or 3D Ultra Minigolf. Do this step in your head.

3. Download a gamer pic or theme related to the game. Only the first one counts, so make sure you didn’t skip Step 2 before downloading a picture of a putter when you’re hoping to nab Sonic. — Joystiq

While it’s a bit of a downer that we can’t just pick any game from the XBLA library to download for free, it’s hard to argue with getting a game at not charge for buying a service a number of us would be buying anyway, even sans the free title promotion.