Microsoft is launching the Xbox Bounty program today, inviting gamers, security researchers, and technologists around the world to help identify security vulnerabilities in the Xbox network and services.

Eligible submissions with a clear and concise proof of concept (POC) are eligible for awards up to US$20,000.

The goal of the bug bounty program is to uncover significant vulnerabilities that have a direct and demonstrable impact on the security of Microsoft’s customers. Vulnerability submissions must meet the following criteria to be eligible for bounty award:

• Identify a previously unreported vulnerability that reproduces in Microsoft's latest, fully patched version of Xbox Live network and services at the time of submission.
• Include clear, concise, and reproducible steps, either in writing or in video format.This allows submissions to be reviewed as quickly as possible and supports the highest bounty awards.

Since launching in 2002, the Xbox network has enabled millions of users to share their common love of gaming on a safe and secure service.

More information is available here.