Free XBL cross-platform play until autumn update

Xbox Live Silver members will be getting free multiplayer access to a number of Xbox 360 and Games for Windows cross-platform games until the new Xbox 360 system update rolls out this autumn.

A spokesperson for Microsoft told GameSpot UK today, "For a limited time, we are offering free online multiplayer on Xbox 360/Games for Windows titles that offer Live cross-platform play. Supported cross-platform titles include Universe at War, Shadowrun, and Lost Planet: Colonies Edition."

This follows on from Microsoft's recent announcement that its Games for Windows - Live service would now be free. It previously charged PC owners for gold subscriptions, which let them play cross-platform multiplayer with Xbox 360 owners, whereas the silver subscription was free.

The next Xbox 360 system update was unveiled at this year's E3 Media & Business Summit, featuring a full overhaul of the dashboard, including the blade menu structure, new avatars, a partnership with Netflix for Gold members in the US, and new Community and My Xbox channels.

See GameSpot's preview of the new Xbox experience for more details.