Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has finally rolled out Titanfall on Xbox One, which is one of the most awaited games of this year. The software giant promoted the title at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas last night. Microsoft is trying to make the sci-fi combat game a big hit, which would subsequently boost the sales of its Xbox One gaming console.
Titanfall to help Xbox One sales
Xbox One sales have lagged behind its key rival Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE) (TYO:6758)’s PlayStation 4. Both consoles were released in November 2013. Earlier this month, the Japanese company said that PlayStation 4 sales have exceeded 6 million units. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) hasn’t provided an update on sales figures since January 6, when the company said Xbox One sales have touched 3 million units. According to research firm NPD Group, PlayStation 4 was the top-selling gaming console in the U.S. in January.
The hype around Titanfall, and its exclusivity to Xbox One and Windows PCs should help Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) attract more customers. The $60 game lets users take control of giant robots or go toe-to-toe as soldiers in a war-torn urban setting. Retailers got in on the buzz by hosting more than 6,000 launch events worldwide on midnight Monday.
Can Titanfall replicate the success of Halo?
Titanfall is published by Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:EA), and was developed by Respawn Entertainment. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) said it will also make the game available for the Xbox 360 consoles on March 25. Xbox One costs $100 more than PlayStation 4, which is priced at $399. The Redmond-based company announced in February that it will sell Xbox One and Titanfall bundle for $499. That means the new gaming title will be offered for free with the purchase of a new console. Moreover, the software giant has slashed the price of Xbox One by £30 in the UK.
Industry experts are watching to see if Titanfall can replicate Halo’s success. Released in 2001 exclusively for Xbox, the sci-fi shooter game turned out to be blockbuster franchise, boosting sales of Xbox consoles.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares were little changed at $37.81 in pre-market trading Tuesday.
