To celebrate the upcoming consumer release of Windows Vista, Microsoft Corp. and AMD today revealed (video) the rules and began the "Vanishing Point" sweepstakes, a large-scale online and offline collaborative puzzle game. Vanishing Point takes online games to new heights with tough challenges, big rewards and events scheduled around the globe. Players worldwide have already created forums and wikis, and posted thousands of messages online. Today Microsoft confirmed online speculation there are nearly a half million dollars in prizes, and that the eventual winner will secure a ride into sub-orbital space, courtesy of Rocketplane Limited Inc.

"Vanishing Point" challenges players to solve an international game, drawing clues from spectacular events at various locations to decipher online puzzles. The action hinges on Loki, the mysterious Microsoft Puzzle Master. While the Puzzle Master is keeping many details highly confidential, the first real-world event is scheduled to take place tonight at the fountains outside the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. And a new Web site has been revealed, http://vanishingpointgame.com, with countdowns and locations that span the globe. Representatives will be available to discuss the game, the grand prize, and the role Windows Vista and AMD play in the game.