LA Noire 'Rockstar Pass' add-on spotlighted in Xbox Marketplace release schedule

Microsoft today sent out the release schedule for Xbox Live Marketplace content over the next two weeks (May 10–23). The schedule was posted in the latest edition of the "Xbox Live Newsbeat" press email, which showed next Tuesday's L.A. Noire "In the Spotlight."

"In celebration of launch on May 17," the newsletter teases, "take your L.A. Noire experience to the next level and download the 'L.A. Noire Rockstar Pass' add-on." The Rockstar Pass what now?

Releasing day and date with the retail game, the 800-point DLC "Pass" is presumably a sort of Project Ten Dollar experiment. It's unclear, however, if it will provide access to the pre-order bonus content (already confirmed to be made available for purchase "at some point after the game comes out") or offer wholly new content to all owners of the game. Perhaps it's a sort of Cerberus Network-like pipeline for delivering new detective cases -- but that's just a guess. The Pass remains a mystery for now, as Rockstar has yet to respond to our request for clarification.

Otherwise, the new Marketplace schedule has few intriguing reveals. Besides noting some previously announced dates and several Games on Demand launches, it does list Sega Rally Online Arcade for release on Xbox Live Arcade next Wednesday, May 18, for $10. Some pirate-themed deals and the demo of Fable 3 for Windows will also be available next week. Head past the break for the complete schedule.

Update [5/18/11]: The due date came and went without the so-called "Rockstar Pass" appearing on the Xbox Marketplace -- and no mention is included in new copies of the game. Rockstar continues to keep mum on the subject.

Show full PR text

Xbox LIVE Newsbeat: May 10-May 23

In the Spotlight:

Battle the L.A. underworld in "L.A. Noire" on May 17
An intense crime thriller, "L.A. Noire" (Rockstar Games) blends breathtaking action with true detective work to deliver an unprecedented interactive experience. Search for clues, chase down suspects and interrogate witnesses as you struggle to find the truth in a city where everyone has something to hide. In celebration of launch on May 17, take your "L.A. Noire" experience to the next level and download the "L.A. Noire Rockstar Pass" add-on or deck your avatar out in "L.A. Noire" themed Avatar apparel – all available on Xbox LIVE.

Bing Rewards Gamers
With the Bing Rewards, gamers can now earn Xbox LIVE Gold subscriptions, Microsoft Points for Xbox LIVE, Zune Pass subscriptions and much more for searching and exploring the web with Bing. Signing up is free and includes a 250 credit bonus towards your first reward. For a limited time, members can also redeem their credits for an Xbox Kinect sweepstakes and coming soon to the Rewards redemption center are Hulu Plus subscriptions which you can use to watch your favorite TV shows and movies on Xbox LIVE. Sign up today and start earning credits towards a variety of gaming rewards.

[Release schedule omitted; reformatted and posted above press release]

This is the current release schedule for Xbox LIVE Marketplace content. As with all game related releases, dates, prices and availability are subject to change and vary by region.