Can You Download Aegis Wing From Europe?

WARNING: I would not be surprised if this is in violation of the Xbox Live Terms and Conditions. However, I am not a lawyer.

As most Europeans know, Microsoft is currently distributing Aegis Wing for free over Xbox Live, if you happen to live in America or Japan. My fellow blogger TheFluffyFist is… how shall I put it? Extremely unimpressed about not being allowed to download it in Europe. You can view his opinion here.

As it turns out, you can follow the example set by one of the fine young men over at Penny Arcade. Here’s what Tycho pointed out back in October 2006 when the Rainbow Six demo came out:

You probably heard a few weeks ago that there was a Rainbow Six demo dropping today, and there is – in every region outside the United States. On these blessed shores, Official Xbox Magazine has it on lock for the coverdisc.

Unless, um, you create an Xbox Live Silver Account whose “region” is designated as some other country, like Wales. Wales seemed to work for me. I have a feeling that the virtual population of Wales is about to balloon.

– Tycho, Penny Arcade

Et Voilà! Aegis Wing in Europe.