[UPDATE- Contrary to what I and others reported yesterday, Microsoft released a statement explaining that the ability to pre-load Titanfall on your Xbox One before the game’s release does not actually exist, and was posted to Xbox.com as a feature in error. Microsoft had the following to say on the topic:
"We believe in digital distribution, and are proud to give gamers a variety of ways to purchase and experience their games. However, pre-purchase and pre-download for Titanfall for Xbox One will not be available from Xbox Store. We'll continue to strike a balance between digital distribution and its benefits, while supporting physical games purchase through our retail partners. The pre-purchase offer page was posted in error. We apologize for any confusion."
As you would expect, the page and these details are no longer on the website following this statement. I’m not entirely sure how incorrect details are written up and then posted on the website by accident (was it ever planned as a feature and had to be canceled?), but Microsoft has rectified its mistake.]
XBox One owners anxiously anticipating the release of Titanfall are hearing some good news today that will cut down their wait time. If you pre-purchase the digital copy of the game on your console, it will download the 15 GB game now before the release date and be ready to play at launch. Pre-load and on Titanfall's release day, March 11th in the US, this means less waiting, more playing!
Steam is known for offering this feature on PC, and I would expect this idea to become the norm for next-gen. Xbox One has the feature of installing a game and playing what has been installed as the rest finishes, so this idea is not dissimilar. The PC version of Titanfall will be able to do this through Origin, as well.
The official word on Xbox.com reads, "Pre-purchase: You will be charged the full price immediately for this pre-purchase. Xbox One game expected to release on March 11th, 2014. You may download the game from Xbox Live before then, but it will not be playable until after 12:01 AM PST on the release date in your country. No refunds."
Hype for the mech-centric shooter is extremely high right now following its beta, which got progressively more open as time went on to eventually include anyone who registered for it. Coverage has been vastly positive, with most players and reporters saying that it's simply a lot of fun to play. I didn't get a chance to play the beta, but I'm eager to try the game on my computer.
Titanfall will be out on Xbox One and PC March 11 in the US, March 13 in the UK, and March 14 in Australia. The Xbox 360 version was pushed back a bit, and will be released on March 25. Take a look at an official gameplay trailer below.
