[UPDATE 2] As it turns out, you will not be able to pre-purchase and pre-load Titanfall on Xbox One. The Xbox.com page stating that you could was posted in error. You’ll still be able to pre-load Titanfall from Origin for PC.
“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,” a Microsoft representative told Polygon. “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.”
[UPDATE] Titanfall’s product page on Xbox.com states that you will be able to pre-load the game on Xbox One ahead of its release on March 11.
“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,” Microsoft said.
The original story is below.
Respawn Entertainment cofounder Vince Zampella has confirmed on Twitter that you’ll be able to pre-load Titanfall before its official launch on March 11 so you can get started playing right at 12:01 a.m. But importantly, he did not say if this applies to the PC version, Xbox One version, or both. It’s also not clear when pre-loading will start.
We’ve reached out to Zampella and Respawn for clarification.
Microsoft previously confirmed that the Xbox One will support pre-loading of digital games, but not at launch. Considering Titanfall is a marquee title for the Xbox One, it wouldn’t be surprising for Microsoft to launch its pre-loading program with Respawn’s game.
Titanfall is also coming to Xbox 360 on March 25, but Microsoft has never allowed titles for that system to be pre-loaded ahead of launch.
Built by Zampella and numerous former Call of Duty developers, Titanfall is one of 2014’s most-anticipated titles. You can read more about the game through our newly launched feature The Next Big Game: Titanfall. There you’ll find exclusive news, previews, and interviews.