US Army Using Official Microsoft Halo 3 Tournaments For Recruiting

A press release from Microsoft’s game division hit my inbox today with a seemingly harmless title:

Microsoft and U.S. Army Present First Ever “Halo 3″ Championship Tournament on Xbox LIVE

Ok that’s fine and dandy that the Army decided to sponsor the event but read a little further into the PR and you’ll see how far the rabbit hole really goes.

“To further ensure that players are trained to the top of their games, the Army is also hosting a Destination Experience blade on Xbox LIVE. When the program begins, gamers will be able to access the blade via their Xbox LIVE dashboard, gaining access to multiple videos and a Tips and Tricks section dedicated to providing the best combat strategies and advice the Army experts have to offer.”

Well what do you know, the last paragraph of a fun press release about an upcoming Halo 3 tournament shows the true intrusive intentions. You of course have to sign up for this tournament and only then will the blade appear but I’m sure many will sign up regardless and then be greeted with the large unwanted “Army Blade” when it’s released. Doesn’t this feel like those checks you get in the mail for $4.99 that automatically sign you up for an expensive monthly service when you cash them?

Merry Christmas from Microsoft and the US Army!

Here’s the full PR:

Microsoft and U.S. Army Present First Ever “Halo 3” Championship Tournament on Xbox LIVE

Microsoft announces a winner-take-all “Halo 3” tournament March 2008; Gamers can prepare for battle with a series of Basic Combat Training exercises starting Christmas Day

More than five million gamers have been glued to their Xbox 360s since the launch of “Halo 3” on Sept. 25., including scores of fans in the U.S. Army. Microsoft Game Studios and the U.S. Army today announced that U.S. gamers will have a chance to prove their fragging skills in the first ever “Halo 3” Championship Tournament, hosted exclusively on Xbox LIVE. The tournament kicks off this March, complete with prizes for winners and finalists, and registration will begin in February.

In preparation for any battle, a soldier must train and prepare for combat. As such, gamers will have the opportunity to participate in a series of Basic Combat Training exercises leading up to the tournament kick-off. Registration for these training sessions begins on Dec. 18, and the games begin on Dec. 25, exclusively on Xbox LIVE.

Designed specifically to prepare gamers for the Championship Tournament, these Basic Combat Training sessions will help gamers hone their skills with different weapons groups by setting up specific games where only one or two focus weapons will be available to play. Winners of these Basic Combat Training competitions will receive prizes, including Microsoft Points, exclusive “Halo 3” art, and more.

The Basic Combat Training schedule is as follows:

· Registration begins: 12/18, Training begins: 12/25 – Sniper School

· Registration begins: 1/8, Training begins: 1/15 – Heavy Weapons

· Registration begins: 2/5, Training begins: 2/12– Vehicles

· Registration begins: TBA February, Tournament begins: TBA March – Championship Tournament

To further ensure that players are trained to the top of their games, the Army is also hosting a Destination Experience blade on Xbox LIVE. When the program begins, gamers will be able to access the blade via their Xbox LIVE dashboard, gaining access to multiple videos and a Tips and Tricks section dedicated to providing the best combat strategies and advice the Army experts have to offer.

Training registration opens Dec. 18. Gamers should watch Xbox LIVE and xbox.com for upcoming registration details, full contest rules and regulations.