Xbox One Release Date: European Gamers Will Not be Region Locked, Says Microsoft
Microsoft is insuring all of their European gamers that despite cutting down in the places they are launching the console's games will not be region locked, and open for everyone.
One of the reasons why the Xbox One will not be available to the original 21 countries as promised was because of the time it takes for all the newer features to be translated into various languages.
Albert Penello, Microsoft's Director of Marketing, said the systems would be "worldwide signed," meaning anyone from any country, could buy an Xbox One.
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However, services such as Netflix will be limited to only to countries who have that site available.
No official date has been released, but countries that will be getting the console are Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand according to Forbes.
Other countries that were expecting first day release were Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden and Switzerland. They will now get the console "as soon as possible," the Xbox One website said.
"While we wish we could launch Xbox One simultaneously in these markets, there are many factors that determine the timing of specific market launches. This includes work to localize the Xbox One dash, incorporate additional voice and languages, and build partnerships to bring apps and meaningful local content to each country," Microsoft posted on their site.
Forbes cites that Microsoft's controversial policy changes may have caused the delay of launching to as many places as possible as all the kinks are being worked out of the system.
A factor that could hurt them in the long run is the exclusion of may European countries, where soccer (football) is extremely popular. One of the most popular games of all time is FIFA, which sells especially well overseas. This lack of strong opening sales could put Microsoft behind at the start.
The Xbox One is expected to be launched by mid November.
