The World Cyber Games, the global videogame competition organization, just announced that Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 and Games for Windows will sponsor the global tournament through 2008, providing hardware, software, and marketing support for the events.

Microsoft's sponsorship will encompass all WCG events, including three pan-regional championships, the Korean Championship, the USA Championship and this year's Grand Finals, which will held in Monza, Italy, October 18-22.

Under the terms of the deal, Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 will be the exclusive gaming platforms for the PC and console. Microsoft will provide games, consoles, Xbox Live online game service, and peripheral equipment for all WCG events. Microsoft will also supply players with state-of-the-art consoles at WCG events.

More info at worldcybergames.com.