Microsoft looks set to launch an Xbox 360 rewards programme after sending out invites for a pilot scheme to select Xbox Live members.

According to emails sent to XBL subscribers and forwarded to Kotaku, recipients have until October 21 to sign-up for the “exclusive pilot rewards programme”, which promises "cool stuff" to those who register.

“… You've only got until October 21, 2009 to let us know you want cool stuff, because after that, the doors close and someone else gets the cool stuff,” Microsoft said.

“So, you click the button below and register to let us know you want in and pretty soon we'll let you know if you got in or not - and not everyone will (that's why it's called exclusive).”

While it’s unclear what the rewards scheme will offer, Microsoft isn’t standing still when it comes to evolving its online console service. In addition to other features, upcoming service updates will introduce Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm and Sky TV functionality to Xbox Live.

Analyst Michael Pachter said recently that he can foresee Microsoft introducing tiered Xbox Live subscription packages similar to cable TV offerings, with a top end XBL package costing as much as $100.

"I think of it the same way as cable TV - a flat rate for basic cable and a higher rate for various bundles," he told Gamasutra. “I could see a premium service that offered discounts for DLC and included some kind of online multiplayer that wasn't available on XBL Gold.”