Xbox One Sales Surge as Microsoft Announces New Bundles

On September 23, 2015, Microsoft kicked off its holiday season strategy by announcing new bundle deals for the Xbox One console. The company offered two distinct packages to attract both casual and hardcore gamers. The first bundle included the Xbox One with a wireless controller and Kinect sensor at a discounted price of $499.99, aimed at families looking for an all-inclusive entertainment package. The second bundle was designed for the gaming enthusiasts, featuring the console paired with Microsoft’s flagship game, Forza Horizon 2, priced competitively to challenge Sony's PlayStation 4 offerings.

Bethesda Announces Major Additions to Skyrim Anniversary Edition

Bethesda Softworks marked the fifth anniversary of one of its most popular titles, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, by announcing a special edition that would include all previously released downloadable content (DLC) packs. The Skyrim Anniversary Edition was set to launch on November 10, 2015, and would also feature new artwork and the highly anticipated Dragonborn DLC. This move not only celebrated the game’s long-standing success but also provided a fresh incentive for players who missed out on some of the earlier content.

EA Releases Star Wars: Battlefront Trailer, Reviving Iconic Franchise

Electronic Arts (EA) generated significant buzz among fans and industry observers by releasing the first trailer for their upcoming title, Star Wars: Battlefront. The trailer showcased intense battles between iconic Star Wars factions like Rebel Troopers and Stormtroopers. With a release date set for November 17, 2015, EA's decision to revisit this beloved franchise was seen as a strategic move aimed at tapping into the renewed interest in Star Wars following Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm.

Blizzard Announces Free Weekend for Overwatch

Blizzard Entertainment announced that it would host a free weekend trial of their hit first-person shooter game, Overwatch, starting from September 25 to 27, 2015. This promotion allowed players who hadn’t yet tried the game to experience its innovative gameplay and roster of colorful heroes for free. The move was seen as an effective strategy to grow the player base and maintain community engagement.

Looking Ahead

The announcements made on September 23, 2015, underscored a focus by major industry players on leveraging their most popular franchises through fresh content releases, pricing strategies, and strategic promotions. With holidays approaching, these moves were anticipated to drive significant sales growth leading into the year-end season. The combination of new game trailers, special edition announcements, and free-to-play offers aimed to reignite interest in gaming among both existing fans and newcomers.