This weekend Microsoft launched a cryptic new web site at origenxbox360.com. The site is composed of a single page of flash showing a tree, an orange bunny, and a numerical countdown in the background. This sort of thing is old hat to gamers already acquainted with Microsoft's previous viral marketing campaigns ilovebees and ourcolony. Considering the approaching launch window of Xbox 360, this time the stakes are a bit higher.

The first indication that new campaign was afoot came early Saturday when the screen name "gamem8ker" signed online. This name was given as an early hint on the Ourcolony riddle. This mysterious page hides a number of secrets.

• The countdown timer in the background will end on September 27th at noon. What will occur at this time is anyone's guess but looking back on ilovebees offers a suggestion. Devoted fans of that "alternate reality game" were rewarded with a chance to play Halo 2 early at a private gathering. Origen might conclude with a similar preview of 360 hardware and software.

Full Story.