Online FIFA World Cup 'free' in May

Wednesday 26 April 2006
Microsoft and EA are allowing gamers to play 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany on Xbox Live for free for a short time in May.

To build footie fever among gamers before the FIFA World Cup starts, 360 owners with the free Live Silver membership will be upgraded to subscription-only Gold membership for one week from 8-15 May, allowing them to play just the EA football game. This upgrade will happen automatically once users go online.

EA is calling this event its Free-for-All and participation will also give gamers the chance to represent the UK in the Xbox Cup - whoever is at the top of the Xbox leader board on 24 May will be selected to travel to Germany to compete against the world's best FIFA players.

In other 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany news, EA has announced the 35 licensed tracks that will feature in the game. The 'highlights' include music from Ladytron, The Go Team, Lady Sovereign and Howard Jones, as well as efforts from most of the competing nations.

And to whet your appetite further for 2006 FIFA World Cup's Friday, take a look at our screen avalanche above.

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