Gaming & Culture —

Microsoft wants to help you throw a party

They give you the pizza, the MS points, and the music. You supply the 360 and …

 Microsoft really wants you to enjoy their weekly Xbox Live Arcade releases. How badly do they want to make sure you're having a good time? They're willing to pay for your games and your food. I've already sent in my request because I'm a big Arcade geek, and I do enjoy some pizza. What exactly is Microsoft furnishing for your gaming pleasure? 

A free pizza from Papa John's, 1,000 MS points, and music downloads so you can enjoy your favorite hits from the 80s. They're asking for pictures and reports from your party, and I think this is the best marketing gimmick I have ever seen. They're running the risk of solitary gamers sitting at home alone and eating all the pizza themselves, sure, but imagine the goodwill created if people actually do invite their friends over. You get everyone sitting around, enjoying their 360 with their free pizza and gamers, and people who may not have had a chance to really play a 360 may get the controller. It's like Microsoft is giving you a little bonus if you're willing to demo the system for your friends.

It's a nifty idea, and should make for a lot of happy gamers. Microsoft is pushing the Live Arcade hard these days, and things like this will go a long way to get the word out and make sure there's a lot of buzz about these games. If you don't want to think about it too hard, just enjoy your free pizza and points. 

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Channel Ars Technica