Xbox One lock-ins to bring next-gen console to GAME stores this month


Ahead of the upcoming Xbox One release date, retailer GAME has revealed it has joined forces with Microsoft to offer eager gamers Xbox One lock-ins ahead of launch.


With the Xbox One release date having recently been confirmed for November 22, GAME will let avid gamers get their first play with the PS4 rival well ahead of the console’s arrival, with the Xbox One to tour more than 60 stores up and down the country this month and next.


Kicking off next Monday, October 14, the Xbox One lock-ins will start in Dundee and Derby, hitting two new locations every day before signing off in Coventry and the London Box Park stores on November 20, just days before the console goes on sale.


We’re all counting down to the launch of Microsoft’s new Xbox One console on November 22nd, but, thanks to our newest Lock In, you may not have to wait that long to play it,” an official GAME spokesperson has stated in announcing the upcoming tour.


Although giving a raft of UK gamers the chance to get some coveted hands-on time with the Xbox One ahead of launch, the daily event will not be open to all, with wannabe attendants needing to register for the 70 daily places.


“We only have 70 places available in each store, so to reserve your place, register at your nearest participating store, either in person or by sending them a tweet,” the GAME representative stated. “Spaces are limited and will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. The events are strictly for gamers aged 18 or over and ID will be required for entry.”


With the majority of the Xbox One lock-ins to be held during the evening, GAME has confirmed that most of the events will kick off between 7pm and 9pm. A full list of the participating GAME stores and correlating dates can be found here.


Of course with the chance to play the Xbox One comes the opportunity to try out some unreleased Xbox One games, and the GAME lock-ins will have a selection of titles on offer. The retailer has confirmed that Forza 5, Dead Rising 3, RYSE and Killer Instinct will all be available to play.


Earlier today, leading retailer John Lewis told us that it expects the Xbox One will be more popular than the PS4, despite the Microsoft branded console costing £80 more than its rival and having reportedly received lower pre-order interest.


“We are expecting more interest in the Xbox One,” Jonathan Marsh, a Head Technology Buyer at John Lewis said. “We are stocking both the PS4 and the Xbox One but if we were to back one, we are thinking that Xbox One will appeal a bit more to our customers in terms of the experience it creates.”


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