News: Welcome to Video Armageddon... I mean Xbox Rewards Challenges.
Last week Microsoft responded to rumors of a Rewards program tied to your Gamerscore with a "We have no plans for such a program at this time." Apparently the time is today.
Starting February 12, gamers will be able to go to www.xbox.com/rewards and sign up for the Xbox Rewards Challenge. The first challenge will be sponsored by Old Spice and prizes will be based on your current Gamerscore.
This Challenge will challenge gamers to gain 1500 points by April 12. The prizes are:
Level 1 (less than 5,000 points to start)
* Xbox Live Arcade game Contra
* Exclusive Old Spice Level 1 Xbox Rewards gamer picture
* An experience upgrade to Xbox Rewards Level 2
Level 2 (5,000 - 9,999 points to start)
* Xbox Live Arcade game Contra
* Exclusive Old Spice Level 2 Xbox Rewards gamer picture
* 100 Microsoft Points
* An experience upgrade to Xbox Rewards Level 3
Level 3 (more than 10,000 points to start)
* Xbox Live Arcade game Contra
* Exclusive Old Spice Level 3 Xbox Rewards gamer picture
* 200 Microsoft Points
* Old Spice T-Shirt
* Fuzion Frenzy 2
Microsoft has not said if they plan to offer substitute prizes for gamers who already own Contra or Fuzion Frenzy 2.
Microsoft plans to expnad the Rewards program in the future with different Challenges. According to Microsoft, "some will be open only to certain Rewards levels, some may be specific to certain games, and others won't even require you to turn on your Xbox 360."
We'll have more on the Xbox Rewards program soon and don't forget to register on February 12.