Random question but I've always wondered. I have a hotmail address, would that count as a Xbox account or would I neeed to make a new one? I ask because a while ago, I remember msn messenger asking if I wanted to connect my messenger with XBL when I didn't have an account on XBL, could they count as the same thing or are they different?

All you need is a Windows Live ID to setup an XBL account. hotmail account will work just fine.  Windows Phone 7 games, X360 games & Windows Live games will all count on any gamertag which is setup using your Windows Live ID. http://www.xbox.com/en-US/?lc=1033 click on the link and select join now near the top right and select join for free. you will then be asked for your email address. Just type in your hotmail account and fill out a few more pieces of information and you will be all set.

Edit: I noticed you are in the UK so this is the link you need... http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/

Thanks very much, I don't have anything that can earn Gamerpoints, but I like the idea of having them, even if it's on a rare occasion. Few of my cousins have 360s, my part time workplace just got one (no idea why O.o) so I'm thinking if I ever get a chance to get some games going, I could earn points on the sly.

It took every ounce of willpower I had not to post in this thread before Neo was ready.  Anyway, as I posted in the other, there's some free games from Doritos on XBLA.  I downloaded but didn't play--I'm sure they suck but they should be worth a few easy Achiecement points.

Another question, can I gain points outside of the 360...?

@d21lewis, Crash Course is quite fun, but it will take work and skill for the 200 gs.  I haven't maxed it.  Harm's Way just didn't do it for me, but if you want an easy 200, that's your game.  Having a second controller helps.

Ah, another year to look forward to.  Nice!

I'm guessing the first race will be Dead Rising: Case West.  Its a shame that Battlefield Bad Company 2: Vietnam won't apply.  They really should have released that seperately as a XBLA game.

You can get gamerscore through the Windows 7 phone games and certain Games for Windows games.

A handy dandy guide to achievements is here:

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/achievements/

you=Awesome!

Almost done platinuming Mass Effect 2....and then I will go for Mass Effect!

Does anybody in the league still play Bad Company 2? I've been thinking about taking the plunge, but I really don't like the notion of playing multiplayer by myself. The ultimate edition looks really appealing with 1943 and Onslaught Mode included. Plus, the new Vietnam expansion's coming out.