his time of year anything we can do to save your bank account from dropping below zero is considered a public service. Microsoft must feel the same way, because they are offering you a free Xbox Live Arcade game – under the right conditions.

So what do you have to do to score free entertainment? First you have to subscribe to Xbox Live with a Gold membership for a minimum of 12 months – meaning the game won’t come without peripheral costs. If you are already an Xbox Live subscriber and are looking to renew, the deal also stands for you.

The games include Zuma, Marble Blast, Sonic the Hedgehog, Assault Heroes and 3D Mini Golf. When you get your new subscription, the next step in redeeming the game is to download a Gamer Pic or Theme associated with the game you wish to receive. Only the first game you choose will be downloaded, so keep that in mind. Unfortunately, if you have a prepaid XBL card, that won’t count towards scoring the free title.

The offer will run between December 23 and January 5, giving you time to decide which “free” game you want. While the deal isn’t as good as it initially sounds, it is a fun bonus if you were already planning on picking up a Gold membership.