Microsoft runs contest for Xbox demo of Battlefield 2

Microsoft is giving away dozens of prizes in support of the upcoming Xbox release of Electronic Arts' Battlefield 2: Modern Combat, and all gamers have to do to win one of them is pick up the free multiplayer demo version of the game, log on to Xbox Live, and play until their eyes bleed.

Exaggerations aside, the 36 gamers who log the most hours on Xbox Live with the demo this week will win one of three prize packages from Microsoft. The most grizzled virtual veteran at the end of the week (which started at 12:01am Pacific time on Tuesday and lasts until 11:59pm Pacific time, August 8) will win a trip for two to a Battlefield 2: MC community event, a signed and framed piece of concept art from the game, and a full retail copy of Battlefield 2: MC for the Xbox when it's released. Beyond the grand prize, 10 first-place winners will receive the art and a copy of the game, while 25 runners-up will have to settle for just a copy of the game.

The Battlefield 2: MC demo is available at GameStop, EB Games, Best Buy, and GameCrazy, or it can be found in the August issue of OXM. Check the official rules for eligibility.

Battlefield 2: MC will retail for $49.99 when it ships October 24. A PlayStation 2 version of the game will also ship October 24, with versions for the Xbox 360 and PSP slated to arrive by the end of the year.