Microsoft have emailed ‘loyal’ Xbox Live members to award them three months of Gold for free, 400 Microsoft points and, interestingly, an invite to an ‘exclusive Halo: Reach Beta’ as compensation for the impending closure of the original Xbox Live service.
Update: We’ve emailed Microsoft to clarify if this is a closed beta or part of the May 3rd beta.
Update 03/12: “I can confirm that there are no plans for an ‘exclusive beta’ outside of the May 3 public launch, through copies of Halo 3: ODST,” says Microsoft’s PR.
The email seems to be directed towards long-time Xbox Live members. Snippets from the email include:
“On April 15, 2010, we will discontinue the Xbox LIVE service for original Xbox games playable on Xbox v1 and Xbox 360. In our continuing efforts to evolve the service, we need to make changes to the LIVE service that are not compatible with original Xbox v1 games.”
“We realize that you are an avid Halo 2 fan. Unfortunately, with this change, you will not be able to play Halo 2 on Xbox LIVE going forward.”
The email then lists a number of rewards that will be given to the addressed users.
” To thank you for being a loyal Xbox LIVE customer, we are giving you a free, three-month LIVE Gold membership and 400 Microsoft Points for you to use as you choose on Xbox LIVE.”
“In addition, because you’ve been so loyal to Halo, we are inviting you to participate in the exclusive Halo: Reach Beta.”
The code for the points will be sent to a message via your Xbox Live account for you to redeem, while your membership will be automatically updated with three extra months. The beta code will be emailed to users closer to its launch.
It’s not clear who will get the email, but the member we’re getting this information from has been on Xbox Live for over five years and played a lot of Halo 2, as the email points out.
Update #2: It’s also being reported that the email may have been sent to those who played Halo 2 recently and not to those who haven’t played it for some time, begging the question of what ‘loyal’ means in the email…
The wording would suggest that this may be some kind of closed beta, but it may also refer to the beta that will take place on May 3rd, 2010 where users with Halo 3: ODST will gain automatic entry. A video containing beta footage was recently released showcasing the game’s all-new multiplayer modes and gameplay.
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I Got this today GO REACH!!!
can i please have the beta code when it comes out? email it to me
Okay then, i really wanna know what loyal means, my dumbass friend, well not really friend, but whatever, is saying if you’ve had xbox live since the original xbox and has convinced himself into believing that i have got it through some sort of ”fault” as i have not ever touched an original xbox. lol. If anyone finds out what they are classing as normal, please e-mail me. Oliverthomasgould@Hotmail.co.uk
damn i should of never stop playing halo 2….oh well i am going to have to wait till November.
Idk I got dat same email but NEVER played halo 2 multiplayer