MS shelled out a shit ton of money, $50 million to be exact, for the exclusive rights to the GTA IV DLC episode “The Lost and the Damned”.  To the bane of PS3 users everywhere, only Xbox 360 owners will be able to play it and they want to make sure EVERYONE who owns the game will have that chance.  To facilitate that, Xbox Live will be FREE from Feb 17-22 to allow anyone with a gamertag to download the content. Normally, it would only be available to XBL Gold members.  Am I full of shit? Hit the jump for the official press release.

Exclusively with Grand Theft Auto IV and The Lost and Damned

We are excited to announce that 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 Damed” 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.