Xbox Live Multiplayer Goes Free For GTA IV Expansion Week

Celebrating the release of Grand Theft Auto IV's Xbox 360-exclusive episode, The Lost and Damned, Microsoft will make its Xbox Live multiplayer service -- usually reserved for Gold members -- available free when playing GTA IV or its expansion that week. The limited and unprecedented promotion begins on February 17th, when The Lost and Damned releases through Xbox Live for $19.99, and ends five days later on February 22nd. GTA IV released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in April 2008, with a PC version shipping later that year in December. While an update for PS3 trophies and patches have been released for the PS3 and PC editions, publisher Rockstar Games hasn't announced any similar expansions for non-Xbox 360 systems. One of two GTA IV episodes planned exclusively for Xbox 360, The Lost and Damned has players taking on the role of motorcycle gang member Johnny Klebitz in a story that intersects with the main game's events. The expansion includes new missions, multiplayer modes, weapons, vehicles, and music. Rockstar will also host special events throughout the week, including sweepstake promotions, a multiplayer match against "the people behind the Grand Theft Auto franchise," and an "Xbox All Nighter."