Defence Grid: The Awakening is free XBL Gold game

Microsoft has confirmed that Defence Grid: The Awakening is this month's first free Xbox Live Gold game.

The Arcade title is usually available for 800 Microsoft Points, but now you can get it for free under the new 'Games With Gold' promotion.

The scheme was revealed earlier this year at E3, where Xbox Live Gold members will be able to download two free games every month.

Blockbuster titles like Halo 3 and Assassin's Creed 2 had been mentioned as games that would be available in the promotion, but for now players will have to make do with an Arcade game.

The next free game will be available on 16 July, but Microsoft won't reveal what it is until a later date.

Microsoft's 'Games With Gold' promotion seems to have been created in response to what Sony offers players with 'PlayStation Plus'.

It still has a long way to go to match Sony's offering though, as this month PS Plus members can download Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, XCOM: Enemy Unknown and LittleBigPlanet Karting for free.