Xbox Gaming in South Africa

Update: Talk about leaving it to the last minute. Microsoft has told CVG that the free Xbox LIVE Gold weekend has been postponed in the UK (and other European regions) due to a "technical issue".

Microsoft SA representatives weren't able to confirm whether this has affected the local free Xbox LIVE weekend as well, but since we usually fall under the UK region, it's quite possible.

We'll update this article as soon as we know more.

Update 2: According to the SA dashboard, only "some" Gold features aren't available - online multiplayer should be fine. However, we've tried a few online games and none of them work, so it seems those "technical difficulties" have affected everything.

Original Story: Gold exclusive this, and Gold exclusive that. It all can get a bit much sometimes, especially when you're a lowly Free Xbox LIVE member. Well, all those prejudices will be put to one side over the next three days thanks to a Free Xbox LIVE Gold weekend.

Starting today at 7PM (GMT 2+), and carrying through to Monday, 31 January at the same time, all Xbox LIVE members will be given Gold status, meaning everyone will have access to online matchmaking, Gold exclusive demos such as the Crysis 2 multiplayer demo, and for local gamers, a chance to try out the newly introduced Facebook and Twitter apps.

So top-up your cap, and clear your schedule, it's Xbox LIVE gaming time!