Xbox Live Gets Free Online for Select Games 'til Fall

Update: Microsoft has informed Shacknews that Xbox Live Silver members will only have free multiplayer access to select cross-platform titles--Universe at War, Shadowrun and Lost Planet: Colonies Edition--until the next system update arrives this fall.

"For a limited time, we are offering free online multiplayer on Xbox 360/Games for Windows titles that offer LIVE cross platform play," a representative explained. "This promotion won't last, so we encourage everyone to take advantage of it while they can."

The representative concluded that, "When the new Xbox experience launches this fall all multiplayer gaming on Xbox 360 will be for Gold members only."

Original Story: Shacknews has confirmed that Xbox Live Silver members are now able to play some Xbox 360 games online, a feature once reserved for paying Gold subscribers.

Currently, only three titles allow free online play: Universe at War, Shadowrun and Lost Planet: Colonies Edition. Other games, such as Call of Duty 4 and Gears of War, still require a paid Xbox Live Gold subscription for online multiplayer.

It is believed the shift came about as a result of Microsoft's decision to provide all Games for Windows Live members with free online multiplayer, as all three free-to-play Xbox 360 titles allow cross-platform multiplayer with PC gamers.

Microsoft has yet to specify if this is a limited promotion or if all cross-platform games will sport free Xbox 360 online play from now on. Some speculate that this could eventually lead to a completely free Xbox Live experience, similar to what the company has just done for Games for Windows members.