It appears as though the Xbox One is to be bundled with a free game, which will surely make the system seem much better value at its £429 price point. Exactly which game is still up the air, but FIFA 14 looks likely.
MCV’s sources are reporting that the game is FIFA 14, while CVG’s describe it as a “major third-party title” and a “major Christmas release”. It’s not an exclusive, but it should be interesting – will people choose the Xbox One because it has this game bundled, even though the PS4 with the game would still be cheaper?
The deal is said to only be coming to Europe, to boost sales with the rather pricey RRP. Bear in mind, it’ll still be about £30 or £40 more expensive than the PS4, even with the game, but they definitely seem much better matched now.
Both Microsoft and EA have declined to comment, so we should find out tomorrow morning as the news trickles out from Gamescom.
Dan Jones
Very wise move from Microsoft. Free FIFA with consoles will be sure to attract casual gamers.
Any news whether this is just for the Day One Edition or not?
Loxstokk
This indeed would be a big deal in Europe. However – it does demonstrate a lack of confidence in their own product to have to offer ‘sweeteners’ to pull in the customers…
gazzagb
Surely all the U-turns they’ve pulled is enough evidence that they (didn’t)don’t have confidence in the console?
blarty
I have absolutely no sense that this is an anti competitive move and am completely sure that the authorities in Germany who have never bollocked MS for anything ever before, will welcome this with open arms…..
xdarkmagician
Maybe MS should tell EA to keep their game and just sell the One cheaper…. or include any EA game with it. Either way, A brand new, unopened game should fetch top trade-in value if you don’t want FIFA.
Although with the Ones bad press and worse PR I’d imagine even giving out a free game will back fire and blow up in MSs face.
DividSmythe
That was my thoughts people who don’t want fifa have really no value at trade-in or if it’s an online code even less value.
Alex the kid seems like a good idea to most of the non football lovers. ;P
RobM
” A brand new, unopened game should fetch top trade-in value if you don’t want FIFA.”
A brand new, unopened game that everyone has because it already came with their console.
Yes I can see the trade in value on a game that has no second hand market because everyone who wants it already has it being sky high.
The Von Braun
Had Fifa 14 been annouced as Xbox One exclusive and free with the console, i’d see it as far bigger news (if it turns out to be true), but as it stands, all it seems to suggest to me is:
1)It’s yet further proof that MS really did’nt have an ounce of faith in the consumer seeing the Xbox One as great VFM, so they’ve had to throw in a free game.
2)Proves that Europe is indeed seen as a big ‘battleground’ for the next round of console wars.
3)My PS3/Xbox etc owning friends will just buy it on existing systems, as they know everyone else they play Fifa with online (and seemingly nowt else but..) will already have it pre-ordered..
4)It’ll no doubt improve sales, but by just how big a % remains to be seen…
5)They’d probably be better off replacing Fifa with Madden in USA.
6)Shelves will soon be full of unwanted copies of Fifa 14 on Xbox One, by Xbox One owners who have no interest in Fifa….
DividSmythe
Fifa just tweeted their unveil of exclusive Xbox 1 unveil tomorrow. Their so excited.
KeRaSh
Who would decide to buy a console based on a free game that would otherwise cost 60€ tops? Sure, this is great for people who are going to get an Xbox One anyways and are into Fifa but if you are still on the fence and price is a deciding factor, then the PS4 is still the way to go. Microsoft is grasping at straws here in Europe.
Bilbo_bobbins
It might grab the attention of the younger gamers, but I think most will just look and think, oh yeah great, the PS4 is still cheaper and I get to choose which game I want, including FIFA. But hey ho, each to their own.
Must be denting Microsofts revenue though doing this.
Eldave0
Wow, great move. Fifa is an unstoppable beast so this makes a lot of sense.
“It’s a bold strategy Cotton, let’s see if it pays off for em”
TSBonyman
It’s only with pre-orders, not a retail bundle.