Word of mouth is powerful advertising, and Microsoft is looking to reward European gamers whose gift of gab convinces friends to plunk down the scratch for a new Xbox 360. Until December 14, Microsoft is offering Xbox 360 owners who bring a new convert to the flock a referral bonus of 10 free Xbox Live Arcade games, with the same 10 games being given to the new 360 owner as well.

　　By going to the promotion's official Web site, filling in a form with their systems' serial numbers, and submitting proof of purchase on the new Xbox 360, gamers will receive e-mailed redemption codes for free downloads of Every Extend Extra Extreme, Sonic the Hedgehog, Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting, Bomberman Live, Marble Blast Ultra, Spyglass Boardgames, 3D Mini Golf Adventures, Small Arms, Assault Heroes, and Zuma Deluxe. With each participant receiving the same 10 games for free, the regular price of those 20 downloads would be 14,400 Microsoft points ($180).

　　It should be noted that the offer is only open to residents of the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Portugal, Greece, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway.