While the weather outside may be frightful, the gaming inside during this Christmas season is sure to be delightful. Today Microsoft is opening registration for the first two events in the highly anticipated Xbox Live Arcade Challenge. Competitors in each event have the opportunity to win prizes ranging from a high definition plasma TV to Xbox hardware and Microsoft Points tokens.

Xbox Live Arcade Challenge is a brand new program featuring fully integrated global tournaments designed specifically for all people playing Xbox Live Arcade games. The program is for all levels of gamers – those who like to compete and win, and those who simply want to play and join in with friends. Gamers can play for points, prizes, and fun.

The first two events feature the recently released Xbox Live Arcade titles “Lumines Live!” and “Small Arms.” With “Lumines Live!,” between 17th December and 23rd December, gamers will compete in Time Attack Mode. Between 24th December and 30th December, “Small Arms” players will compete in ranked matches with the best brawlers emerging victorious. Prior to the competition, the "Small Arms" leaderboard will be reset to provide a level playing field.