For those of you who aren't subscribed to the Xbox LIVE Gold Service, and currently own Grand Theft Auto IV on the console, when the upcoming DLC for the title, The Lost and Damned is released later this month, you're in for a treat.

From the 18th of February, when the Grand Theft Auto IV DLC launches, until the 23rd of February, you'll be able to access the online multiplayer functionality gained by Xbox LIVE Gold membership for free while playing Grand Theft Auto IV or The Lost and Damned.

In order for gamers to fully enjoy their taste of Xbox LIVE Gold membership, Rockstar Games will host a number of events during the promitional period. The first of these is a part of the "Game with Fame" event, where players will be able to take on Hip hop DJ and producer, Statik Selektah. Another event will see gamers able to play against Rockstar staff.


Other events are also planned during the promotional period, which will include a "Sweepstake promotion" and an "Xbox All Nighter" event. In order to receive a week of "free" Xbox LIVE Gold functionality (which will be active during the play of Grand Theft Auto IV and The Lost and Damned - players will need a copy of the game itself, a Silver Xbox LIVE account, and a copy of The Lost and Damned downloadable content - which will be available for 1600 Microsoft Points.

With the news of this promotion, also comes news that GAME and JB Hi-Fi will have retail "tokens" for The Lost and The Damned available for AU$34.95(RRP) - which will include a poster as well as a redeemable token for the content. While this is more expensive than simply using Microsoft Points, but you do get a poster - which is a bonus, yes?

For more information on The Lost and Damned, check out our news coverage from last week.