Microsoft clarifies (and contradicts) its Xbox One ‘FIFA 14’ giveaway in Europe

By Ryan Fleming September 5, 2013

microsoft clarifies and contradicts its fifa 14 giveaway in europe gamescom 9 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Last month at Gamesom, Microsoft corporate VP and voice of contradiction Phil Harrison claimed that “all pre-orders for Xbox One this holiday will include a copy of FIFA 14 at no extra cost.” It turns out that Harrison either misspoke or the policy has been changed. This is starting to feel like standard operating procedure for Microsoft since the Xbox One was announced, and it’s a wee bit confusing.

The confusion began when Amazon’s U.K. site was spotted by CVG offering a standard Xbox One for launch, as well as a separate Day One edition that includes a digital copy of FIFA 14 and a commemorative controller. Surprisingly, there was also an option to purchase the Day One bundle with a free copy of Forza 5 instead, but both are listed as sold out. A third option, which is still available for pre-order, is a “Standard Edition,” which lists for the same price but does not come with the special controller or a game.

Seeking clarification, a customer named Ian asked Xbox’s Twitter feed about this. The company replied, “All pre-orders come with FIFA 14 in Europe, Ian. Doesn’t matter if it’s a Day One console or not.— Xbox .”

That seemed to put an end to the matter, but then Xbox EMEA’s social marketing manager Graeme Boyd tweeted this gem a few days later: “Had a few questions on this so wanted to clarify: FIFA 14 will only come free with Xbox One Day One Edition pre-orders, while stocks last.”

So if you are ordering an Xbox One in Europe, you may want to double check exactly which one you purchased. This development also means the people that pre-ordered before the FIFA announcement may not retroactively be included in the giveaway, as was previously suggested, depending on which versoin they ordered.

Thankfully, that isn’t an issue here in the States… because Microsoft has yet to announce a bundle that includes a game. There are indications that it will, however. If/when that bundle is announced, be sure to clarify which version you are ordering.

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Ryan Fleming is the Gaming and Cinema Editor for Digital Trends. He joined the DT staff in 2009 after spending time covering…

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