Microsoft calls free Xbox One game promotion an error

A promotion for a test program that would unlock certain Xbox One titles for 24 hours was based on an error, according to Microsoft.

[DarkOcelet]

It would have been a great deal actually , its a shame it was an error , but honestly the free play day could be disastrous because a game campaign usually last 8-10 hours unless its an rpg so that could lose the sales of some games .

[iamnsuperman]

That is the biggest issue. I wouldn't expect to see this for new titles but even for old titles the game really needs to be either a long story or multiplayer focused to really be worth it (at the point you might as well do what Killzone Shadow Fall did with multiplayer weekends).

I guess it could have been used to get more people onto Gold (try a GWG game) but there is the issue you mentioned of people completing the game in 24 hours

[DarkOcelet]

Very sorry , meant to agree .

[uptownsoul]

Or if the "Free Play Day with Gold" was the name of the promotion but, much like PS3 free game trials, a person only had access for 1 or 2 hours during that day. That way nobody could have completed games. I think that would have made sense too. But I agree with all the above, 24 hours of access didn't make sense for shorter, single-player campaign focused games.

[Pogmathoin]

Wonder if achievements would be locked, if free day trial happened.

[KRUSSIDULL]

Origin have 48 hours for selected games so I don't see why Xbox Live should't have at least a few hours for one day.

[jrshankill]

I agree DarkOcelet, there really is nothing to dislike about this.

Play a game for 24 hours, free. Sounds awesome.

I also agree that people could get their fix in a mere 24 hours. I won't complain though. Means a lot of late nights!

[LAWSON72]

In due time a feature along those lines will probably come if widely requested, same probably goes for PS4 (trials were on PS3). It might be a good idea to be more strict (but fair by only counting gameplay hrs) with the length of the trial depending on the game. If a service like Origin can add the feature I don't see why Xbox Live couldn't.

I would not expect it until the library is larger and is older, though

[Orbilator]

They should have rolled with this. Another step forward then 2 back, someone at m£ needs to take time to check what there saying. All this does is add more fuel to them back tracking on another idea. I am a Sony fanboy, but I know we need healthy competition or we all suffer.

[mahmoods26]

This is an amazing idea. Just don't include indie games or games with short campaigns. This would be perfect for games like Assassins Creed or GTA 5 or Watchdogs or sports games. You could start with one game a month and build it up over time. Seriously Microsoft make this idea happen.

[SteamPowered]

A promotion error or another 180? You decide.

[Dudebro90]

A dumb comment, or a pointless comment. You decide.

[Droidbro]

A 12 year old, raving PS4 fanboy, or Xbox troll basement dweller? You decide.

[SteamPowered]

PC/Console gamer actually. Fanboys tripping out over these announcements amuse me.

[mhunterjr]

If I had to guess, they are adding this capability to the store, but accidentally issued the promotion.

From a financially perspective, it wouldn't make sense for MS to have this promotion on short single player games, but for longer RPG games, or MP only games, this would be a good perk for Live account holders and it might lead to game sales.

[UnHoly_One]

Yeah I agree. I think the "error" is that we saw it before they were ready to announce it.

[DJustinUNCHAIND]

Not cancelled, just posted in error.

[qwerty676]

lol why is the don mattrick picture being used.

[Dudebro90]

Because n4g.

Anything Microsoft does will scrutinized, and its easy to post that photo to try and bring up negativity.

[Spotie]

Microsoft deserves the scrutiny. Let's not be blind fanboys.

And there's no need to help; Microsoft brings the negativity all on their own.

Why are you guys so defensive? It's as if Microsoft hasn't made a single mistake to you.

[gangsta_red]

@Spotie

Just stop Spotie,

What scrutiny, the reports say it was an error. MOVE ON! MS never announced this and they were obviously testing something out.

Why are you so offensive? You don't like MS and you run around making it very apparent of that fact. It's as if MS stole your first born.

[Summons75]

Not good for your already mistrusted image MS. I know you're trying but you really should try and not f up for once.

[gangsta_red]

Did you read the article, this free games promotion was not suppose to go out to the public eyes. It was an error, so why is there this use of "mistrust"?

Obvious MS was testing something out and didn't attend to reveal it just yet.