Microsoft's Xbox LIVE to offer full game downloads

Subscribers to the online component of Microsoft's Xbox video game console will soon be able to purchase and download full games, the company announced in a press release earlier this week.

The Xbox LIVE service, which turned five on Thursday, allows users to play games against other subscribers, try demos and chat online. Microsoft says LIVE has more than eight million members in 26 countries.

The new download service, called Xbox Originals, will launch in a free system update on Dec. 4.

"On its fifth birthday, Xbox LIVE truly is the place for hanging out with friends and enjoying downloadable TV shows, movies, videos, game add-ons and now downloadable Xbox games on demand," said John Schappert, corporate vice president of LIVE software and services at Microsoft.

For 1,200 Microsoft Points, which are purchased with real cash, users will be able to download full games such as Halo, Fable and Psychonauts directly to their Xbox 360.

The company said the list of downloadable titles will continue to grow.

Additionally, the release said "as a gesture of thanks" users will be able to download a free arcade game on Nov. 15.