Microsoft celebrates 5 years of Xbox Live

In recognition of Xbox Live's 5th anniversary, Microsoft has announced a pair of giveaways and a new download service.

Gamers who originally signed up for Xbox Live back in 2002 will be rewarded with 500 free Microsoft points.

Carcassonne, an Xbox Live Arcade game, will be made available as a free download for all worldwide (except Korea) Xbox Live users on November 15. Gamers in Korea will instead be able to download Hexic 2 for free.

As previously reported, after the December 4 dashboard update, Microsoft will make original Xbox games available for download from the Xbox Live Marketplace. Select titles include Halo, Psychonauts, Crimson Skies, and Fable and will be priced at 1,200 Microsoft points.

"In just five short years, Xbox Live has revolutionized the way friends and family have fun in the living room," said John Schappert, corporate vice president of Live, software and services at Microsoft.

"On its fifth birthday, Xbox Live truly is the place for hanging out with friends and enjoying downloadable TV shows, movies, videos, game add-ons and now downloadable Xbox games on demand."

According to Microsoft, some 8 million people are members of Xbox Live.