Most video game conventions give the press opportunities to talk to developers, play games in private sessions that they can write about, and connect with some of the biggest names in the industry. However, the public also plays a major role in most events. There will be a slew of European fans at this year’s Gamescom, and while not everyone is planning to comb the floor for free merchandise, Microsoft will have a massive giveaway worth traveling to Germany for.
During Major Nelson’s most recent podcast, guest and Microsoft Studios CVP Phil Spencer confirmed that during Gamescom, a group of lucky attendees will win free Xbox Ones when the console launches later this year. Although Spencer didn’t seem too sure on the final number of available hardware, his guess was around “50 or so.”
“We are giving away an Xbox One every hour in the booth, I think,” Spencer confirmed to Major Nelson. “It’ll be 50 or so. Put your name in – I think we’re doing it at the showcase as well, I think we’re doing it at the community event. We’ll give away the Xbox One at a later date when it’s available. When you bring consumers in, you build excitement.”
With the Xbox One now allowing players to almost forget about the Kinect entirely, Microsoft continues to listen to what its fans most want. Free stuff is probably at the top of that list, so if you’re in Germany for the show, make sure to give Microsoft’s booth a visit.