The most important news about Xtival is that its name still doesn't sound any less stupid, even a week after is was first announced. Maybe we're pronouncing it wrong in our heads? You all say it as "Ex-ti-val" as well, right?

The other new fact is this - Xtival will give four days of free Xbox Live Gold access to everyone from November 23 to 26, rather than the initially announced three. This wasn't us making a mistake, as we got the news from Graeme and HE SAID it was three days so we're clearly not to blame for his MESS.

Microsoft has also announced the full details about what happens during Xtival. Basically it's a bit rubbish - it's just a series of themed days with a few competitions thrown it. And you also get free Xtival themes and picture packs, which is quite possibly the most boring game-related event that has ever happened.

The full, three-day Xtival event schedule can be read by clicking that green tab down there and scrolling down past the adverts on the next page.

Friday 23rd November - OLD SKOOL V NEW SKOOL

As the gates open for this unique weekend, Friday is gamers’ chance to play the newest versions of games everyone’s talking about and show their mates how it’s done. Or, show the world their genius on something they really know their way around. These games will include FIFA ’08, Halo® 3, Lost Planet, Gears of War along with all the latest titles from the Xbox LIVE Arcade.

There is also the chance to take part in a ‘Developer Jam Session’ Competition taking on the brains behind Project Gotham Racing 4, the blockbuster title from Bizarre.

Saturday 24th November - HEADLINERS

On the second day, gamers will get to prove themselves as Guitar Heroes in waiting, as they are invited to take part in a unique ‘Game with Fame’ session with a top name talent. More details to be revealed later this month.

They will also get to take on the developers of the amazing music title along with playing friends old and new alike on Viva Piñata Party Animals, Naruto, Call of Duty 4 and Rainbow 6 Vegas

Sunday 25th November – SPORTS DAY

Closing out Xtival ’07, the organisers will be showcasing the best sport on the planet, inviting visitors to show off their skills on the top Xbox 360 games titles including Tiger Woods, Table Tennis, Virtua Tennis, Forza® 2 Motorsport, and Pro Evolution Soccer 2008.

Halo Art Competition

All weekend gamers will also have the chance to show their mates how good they really are and it is as easy as taking a shot at yourself using one of the unique features of Halo 3 to record the moments you’re most proud of, video or still, and then share them with your mates on Xbox LIVE.

The Xtival ’07 organisers are looking for the 10 best still shots taken on Xbox LIVE in each participating country, as judged by the local Halo Art Team. The lucky 10 will get a still print to hang on their wall to remind them of their proudest moment. To enter, gamers have to capture their best screenshot and save it to www.bungie.net during game play, with the subject line as “Xtival ‘07 Halo Art UK The team will judge the winners and get in contact with winners directly.

Mystery Gamer

All weekend there will also be Xtival ‘07 Mystery Gamers playing on Xbox LIVE, ready to award Microsoft Points to gamers they enjoy playing against. Gamers will only be eligible for selection if they are playing over this weekend. Organisers won’t be revealing when the Mystery Gamers will be playing. Visitors will have to keep checking back and playing their favourite games to be in with a chance of becoming a lucky winner.

There will be free exclusive Xtival theme packs and gamer pics available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace, for the festival weekend only, and loads of other great stuff to take part in and explore, all for free.

Came straight to this page? Visit www.xboxer.tv for all the latest news.