Microsoft announced today that they will be offering players of Grand Theft Auto IV a limited window of free access to Live Gold following the release of its upcoming DLC expansion The Lost and the Damned. Running from February 17th through the 22nd, players will be able to experience the game's multiplayer offerings without the need for a subscription to the service.

The downside is that this only applies to GTA IV. No Netflix, no Gears of War 2, nothing else.

Now, I haven't had the opportunity to try out Lost and the Damned, but I can say that the multiplayer in GTA IV prior to this expansion is not the sort of thing that would have convinced me to pay up. Perhaps they have created a gameplay so compelling that its lure is undeniable, but I can't help but feel they would have been better served opening up the entire service for a slightly shorter period of time.

There's a press release after the jump which outlines more of Microsoft's plans for the free trial period, including an evening of gaming with Rockstar and a sweepstakes.

Hi all – for the first time ever, starting Tuesday, February 17 at 9:00 am (PST), Xbox LIVE multiplayer service usually reserved for Xbox LIVE Gold members will be completely free of charge for LIVE members while playing Grand Theft Auto IV or The Lost and Damned — the first exclusive downloadable expansion episode on Xbox 360. This limited, Grand Theft Auto multiplayer promotion is applicable only to players of either Grand Theft Auto IV or The Lost and Damned expansion episode, and will end on Sunday, February 22 (11:59PM PST). Be a part of this unprecedented event and join the legions of Grand Theft Auto fans across the world to wreak havoc upon Liberty City.

To help gamers get the most from their multiplayer access, Rockstar Games and Xbox LIVE are putting on a week of special events with the chance to take on Hip Hop DJ and producer, Statik Selektah in a special ‘Game with Fame’ event and even take on the people behind the Grand Theft Auto franchise in a ‘Game with Rockstar’ multiplayer event. Sweepstake promotions and an ‘Xbox All Nighter’ will also be part of the week of activities, full details and eligibility can be found at www.xbox.com/lostanddamnedliveweek.

Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned will be available for download exclusively through Xbox Live beginning February 17 for 1600 Microsoft Points ($19.99). “Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned” is the first exclusive downloadable add-on episode from Rockstar Games, extending the “Grand Theft Auto IV” saga for Xbox 360 owners as they take control of Johnny Klebitz to complete missions around the streets of Liberty City. If you’re not already a member of Xbox LIVE, now is the time to join.

Don’t miss the new trailer from “The Lost and Damned” to see Johnny and The Lost motorcycle club take on the tough underworld of Liberty City – coming Thursday worldwide and in HD on Xbox LIVE.