Microsoft has finally found a solution for family's that use multiple Xbox Live accounts on the same Xbox: a family bundle discount. Previously, a family of gamers would have to pay $50 per person - and you don't need us to tell you that it really adds up.

The new family bundle will give 4 members full yearly Xbox Live access for $99 total. In addition to this, one account will be the designated "Parent" account which controls how many Microsoft Points go into which account and can monitor game activity as well. There will also be discounts available on select family-oriented games from time to time, in what seems to be another push by Microsoft to be noticed by the casual crowd.

So how long do you have to wait to be able to chainsaw your daughter in Gears? (note to FBI: this is a gaming joke! Really!)

The answer is November - which, by what can't be a coincidence, is around the time Microsoft's aptly named Kinect is also rumored to be released. Here's the scoop on all the official features:

  • Up to four individual Xbox LIVE Gold memberships for the price of two - (US) $99.99.
  • Family Center - a single, easy to use, destination for Family Settings and account management, accessible on the Xbox dashboard and on Xbox.com.
  • The primary account member has the ability to purchase and dispense Microsoft Points to other Xbox LIVE Gold Family Pack members.
  • Activity monitoring reports viewable on Xbox.com to help encourage discussions about safer more balanced gaming and entertainment habits.
  • Simplified billing that applies all purchase charges to the primary account holder's billing account and the ability to authorize purchases, helping to manage the family's entertainment budget.
  • Exclusive family content and discounts.

Now you can have a whole group of 12 year old girls who can kick your ass at Halo. We look forward to it!