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Goverment intel recruiting via Xbox Live

Gamers deemed to have necessary skills.

Xbox Live has been targeted by the UK's Government Communications Headquarters as a great place to pick up recruits.

Frequenters of the service are desirable for their "quick thinking, problem solving and team work", said intelligence organisation GCHQ (reported by The Guardian). The 18-to-34 year-old demographic of Xbox Live also suits.

GCHQ, incidentally, is one of three UK intelligence agencies, the others being the better-known MI5 and MI6, where James Bond works.

A six-week advertising campaign will run on the XBL Dashboard and include banners, videos, free themes and gamer pictures.

"As well as tackling 'traditional threats' GCHQ's work is also about helping government departments, such as the Ministry of Defence, to protect their information and communication systems," said a GCHQ spokeswoman who probably has a pen which doubles as a gun.

"This means we can offer excellent training and careers for people with specialist technical skills.

"However, the fact remains that many potential candidates remain unaware of GCHQ and what we do. Using video on Xbox LIVE helps carry our message to the right people in a creative and innovative manner," she added.

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