"Game of the Year" contender The Walking Dead's first episode is currently free on the Xbox Marketplace. IGN believes it'll be available like that until the new year. We've contacted Telltale to confirm, but we're not sure how quick the response will be in their shambling post eggnog consumption state.

The Walking Dead has already started collecting year-end awards for crafting a classic adventure game with an intense narrative. Here's a chance to play the first episode without it taking a bite out of your wallet, or shoulder...or neck.