Original Xbox games will no longer be playable over Xbox Live as of April 15, but Microsoft is easing the pain of Halo 2 players by offering "avid" players free stuff and a shot at the Halo: Reach beta.
Several Kotaku readers have received word from the Xbox Live Team, breaking the bad news about the death of original Xbox game support on Live, but throwing in some good to make up for it. To thank gamers for being "loyal" Xbox Live customers, the Xbox 360 maker is giving out free three-month Gold memberships and 400 Microsoft Points to spend on the game, add-on or Avatar clothing item of their choice.
Microsoft is also extending the invitation to participate in the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta, "because you've been so loyal to Halo." The e-mail certainly seems to indicate that a copy of Halo 3: ODST won't be required to access the Reach beta, good news for the Halo 2 player resistant to dropping cash on new games.
Thanks to Blueishraptor and The Quality Jeverage for the heads up!


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