The Vanishing Point is a marketing campaign designed for the upcoming launch of Windows Vista. "To celebrate the upcoming consumer release of Windows Vista, Microsoft Corp. and AMD have launched "Vanishing Point," the largest online and offline puzzle game in the world," revealed Microsoft.

According to the Vanishing Point website, the Microsoft and AMD initiative is a "puzzle challenge spanning the globe, with prizes that take you beyond it, including a trip to see the ultimate vista." The ultimate vista is of course a trip to space and the top prize of Vanishing Point.

The puzzle was launched in the real world via a video water projection in the fountains of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. And - in addition - Microsoft will deliver cryptic skywriting messages around the world. Los Angeles; Phoenix; Miami; and Sydney, Australia are the locations where you will be able to look to the sky in order to get clues that will help you solve the puzzles of Vanishing Point. However, Microsoft will also offer post footage of the events around the globe on Vanishing Point.

"Vanishing Point" raises the stakes in online games with tougher challenges, bigger rewards and events scheduled around the globe. Players worldwide are competing for nearly a half-million dollars in prizes, and the eventual winner will secure a ride into space courtesy of Rocketplane Limited Inc.

"Vanishing Point" challenges players to work together to solve an international game, drawing clues from spectacular events at various locations to decipher online puzzles. The action hinges on the mysterious Microsoft Puzzle Master, Loki. While the Puzzle Master is keeping many details highly confidential, Microsoft has hinted that more offline events could happen later this month. Players and representatives from both companies will be available to discuss the game, the grand prize, and the role Windows Vista and AMD play in the game.