Microsoft has instantly made its upcoming Xbox One a better deal for families and gamers this Christmas by including a free copy of FIFA 14 in every European pre-order.
EA's FIFA series is one of the world's most profitable and popular gaming franchises, selling 3 million copies in the UK alone in 2013.
The tie-up could result in a huge boost for the console when it is released in November. Microsoft and EA made the announcement at the Gamescom conference in Cologne, Germany, on Tuesday.
MCV broke the story late Monday, reporting that "two senior games industry sources" had confirmed the £429 console will come with a free copy of the game, which has an RRP of £54.99.
A source familiar with the matter later told HuffPost that Microsoft saw itself as the "natural home" for FIFA.
FIFA 14 will also come with exclusive content on Xbox 360 and Xbox One, including an "Ultimate Team Legends" mode featuring classic players alongside current stars.