Fifa 14: the Xbox One version of Fifa 14 will feature legendary players in its popular Ultimate Team mode
Microsoft has opened the major Gamescom gaming conference in Cologne with a series of announcements designed to boost the Xbox One's juddering PR machine. In a deal with Electronic Arts, customers in Europe who pre-order the console before Christmas will receive a free digital copy of Fifa 14. Those who have already pre-ordered an Xbox One will also get a digital copy of the popular sports sim.
Furthermore, a tie-in with Activision will see a special European bundle package, featuring the Xbox One console and a copy of Call of Duty: Ghosts. The package, which includes as-yet unconfirmed bonus content, will be available exclusively through the Game retail chain in the UK. Ubisoft has also agreed to make special content available in the Xbox One version of its multiplayer online shooter, The Division.
In a further attempt to attract fans of the Fifa franchise, the Xbox One version of Fifa 14 will feature legendary players in its popular Ultimate Team mode. The likes of Freddie Ljungberg, Ruud Gullit, Pelé, Patrick Vieira and Gary Lineker will also turn up in gold packs, at certain points through the season.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has also announced more details of its self-publishing plans for indie developers on Xbox One. A new programme entitled ID@Xbox, will support smaller studios with events, forums and technical assistance – these developers will also have full access to the capabilities of the console including cloud services, Kinect and the Xbox Live toolset. It was initially suggested that indies would not be able to self-publish on the console, but a furious response from gamers and developers provoked a clarification of the Xbox One set-up.
During its press-only showcase in Cologne on Tuesday, Microsoft also confirmed Fable Legends, a new Xbox One exclusive addition to Lionhead's RPG series complete with four-player co-op; Smart Glass support allows one participant to take part as the enemy, using a second screen to direct forces against the main protagonists. Cobalt, the latest title from Minecraft creator, Mojang, is also coming to the console. Developed with Oxeye Game Studio, it's a co-op 2D platform shooter, with acrobatic robot characters.
Microsoft has been playing catch-up with Sony after the poorly received introduction of the Xbox One console in May. The machine was originally heavily geared toward digital distribution with restrictions on pre-owned sales and daily online authentication. However, a backlash against the plans forced a major rethink, and a return to a more traditional retail model for software.
Both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are due out this winter – with the former set to retail for £349 and the latter at £429. It is likely the Fifa pre-order offer is being used as means of appeasing gamers put off by the Microsoft console's higher price tag.
Industry pundits were expecting that launch details for the next-gen machines would be announced at Gamescom. So far, it's been quiet on that front. We'll have more news as the event goes on.
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