While Microsoft is still dealing with the massive repercussions following the unveiling of the next generation Xbox One console that came with its own set of policies and issues, it seems like the company has made it a point to back the console as much as possible.
According to Microsoft’s recent Gamescom conference, the final and official Xbox One launch catalogue for games will arrive with as many as 23 massive titles from a host of top-notch developers. These titles include the likes of Ryse: Son of Rome, Forza Motorsport 5 and Killer Instinct, which are all Xbox exclusives.
What’s more, Microsoft has also announced that the company will be including a copy of FIFA 14 with every pre-ordered Xbox One in Europe that will also include an Xbox One exclusive FIFA Ultimate Team mode.
Speaking to CVG at Gamescom recently, corporate VP Phil Harrison stated that the reason Microsoft has decided to invest so heavily in software exclusives is because the company is determined to "make sure the best games are on Xbox" when the console arrives this fall: "... ultimately it's the games that make Xbox One stand out, and we have the best line-up of games - we think - in the history of consoles.”
"We clearly have strong exclusive games, and we have partnered with EA to bring FIFA to Europe in a very meaningful way. Football in Europe is the sport, and in some countries it's the religion. I think FIFA Ultimate Team is going to be huge."
Microsoft also went on to state that it will invest at least $1 billion on next-gen games, and that the company already has a number of major partnerships lined up, like the company-exclusive title Titanfall (also arriving for PC, 360 and Xbox One) as well as exclusive (but timed) content for Call of Duty: Ghosts and Battlefield 4 DLC.
"The reason we do our own studio investments and investments with third-party publishers is very simple - we want to make sure the best games are on Xbox," Harrison told CVG. "We want to make sure the best developers bring their creativity to our platform."
The Xbox One is currently scheduled for a November 2013 release.
