REDMOND, Wash. - Jan. 25, 2008 - Microsoft Corp. today announced a special Xbox LIVE online entertainment network weekend for the most anticipated sporting event of the year. Beginning Jan. 31, 2008, fans of "Madden NFL 08" on Xbox 360 will be able to participate in online activities including the opportunity to create their own Madden Bowl with friends, registering for a four-day Play & Win to win exclusive prize packages and the chance to play head to head against NFL athletes in a Game with Fame as they hone their skills in preparation for Madden Bowl XIV.

To kick off the weekend, Xbox LIVE will host Game with Fame sessions allowing Xbox LIVE Gold members to sign into Xbox LIVE at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31, and score an opportunity to chat and play "Madden NFL 08" against NFL star Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers. They can also sign into Xbox LIVE that evening to chat and play with "NFL Tour" cover athlete and NFL star Shawne Merriman of the San Diego Chargers. NFL players will participate in the Game with Fame from Arizona just hours before they try to win the Madden Bowl XIV and claim yearlong bragging rights among their football-playing brethren. Those interested in competing with Willis and Merriman should send a friend request to the Xbox LIVE Gamertags WillisGwF and MerrimanGwF.

The Madden Bowl is an annual event in which eight current NFL players go head to head in a "Madden NFL 08" on Xbox 360 single-elimination tournament. This year, Madden Bowl XIV will be held at the Martini Ranch in Scottsdale, Ariz., and will feature eight NFL players who will compete for the chance to be deemed the league's best "Madden NFL 08" player.

All weekend, "Madden NFL 08" gamers can create their own Madden Bowl by downloading an eight- or 16-person bracket-style tournament and playing friends over Xbox LIVE. "Madden NFL 08" gamers who register as a Tournament Commissioner on http://www.xbox.com/maddenbowl for a four-day Play & Win Sweepstakes and then play in their tournament on Xbox LIVE will be randomly selected to receive special prize packages, such as an EA Sports 08 Game Pack or a trip for two to New York to be a part of EA Sports' events during the draft in April. Existing Xbox LIVE Gold members may also register as a Tournament Commissioner online by downloading the exclusive gamerpic. More details on registering and information regarding terms, conditions and official rules will be available on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008, through the official event page, http://www.xbox.com/maddenbowl.

"Madden NFL 08" and "NFL Tour" fans will also get the opportunity that weekend to game over Xbox LIVE against EA's "Madden NFL 08" developers. They should be on the lookout for the following development team Gamertags from Thursday, Jan. 31, from 3-6 p.m. EST to play "Madden NFL 08" and Friday, Feb. 1, from 3-6 p.m. EST to play "NFL Tour":

"Madden NFL 08" Session

• MaddenDevRyno

• MaddenDevSean

• MaddenDevCrank

• MaddenDevScant

• MaddenDevHart

• MaddenDevOstres

• MaddenDevLauren

"NFL Tour" Session

• TourDevPhil

• TourDevJasonB

• TourDevMatt

• TourDevJasonV

• TourDevTavis

• TourDevPeyton

• TourDevRichard

• TourDevJosh

• TourDevJohn

About Game With Fame

The Xbox LIVE Game with Fame program gives Xbox LIVE Gold members the unique opportunity to meet, chat with and play against some of today's hottest stars. Past Game with Fame celebrity players include Jack Black, Jenny McCarthy, Rihanna, Shia LaBeouf and Andy Roddick. Further information about other Xbox LIVE events is available at the Game with Fame Web site, http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/calendar/gamewithfame.