Ever wanted to change your Gamertag but the one you wanted was already taken? If it was one that Microsoft has classified as dead, now is your opportunity to get it.

Xbox Live's own Major Nelson reveals that they have begun the process of making previously used and unavailable (dead) Gamertags available.

To change your Gamertag, Sign into Xbox LIVE and go to the My Xbox channel, then select Change Gamertag. From here you can either choose from the random name generator, or you can enter a specific Gamertag to see if it's available.

Changing your Gamertag does not affect your Gamerscore, Achievements or friends list.