Xbox One takes over Leicester Square for launch

Xbox One launched in 13 markets across the world last night, so to mark the occasion here in the UK, we catapulted our new generation console into the market by rolling out the green carpet for a “star-studded” event in London’s heart of entertainment, Leicester Square. The biggest week in video game history kicked off with live outdoor performances from award-winning artist, Plan B and Katy B, followed by special midnight opening of a pop-up GAME store in the nearby Trocadero Centre.

Xbox One stage in Leicester Sqaure under construction November 20, 2013

In a world first, Leicester Square was renamed “Xbox One Square” for one day only. The iconic Xbox nexus dominated the centre of the Square, bringing members of the public to a standstill, as stars from TV, film and music welcomed a new generation in gaming and entertainment, along with thousands of fans.

Working closely with the talented team at LS Live and Heart Productions, the giant nexus took two weeks to build and install, equalling the height of two double decker buses. The impressive structure was the centre-piece for the launch event, bringing the Xbox brand to life like never before. Zombies from “Dead Rising 3” roamed the streets, alongside a Roman legion from “Ryse: Son of Rome”, and the Stig made a special appearance, driving on to the Square in a McLaren supercar from “Forza Motorsport 5”.

The giant Xbox Nexus in the heart of London November 21, 2013

Thousands of people attended throughout the day, treating themselves to a hands-on with the console across two dedicated gaming zones, in advance of the official midnight launch. Additionally, Xbox installed a massive 10x8m screen for gamers to play “Forza Motorsport 5” and “FIFA 14” in stunning high definition.

For the launch showcase, Plan B and Katy B walked down the green carpet and performed bespoke sets to a crowd of excited and surprised fans. As well as appearances from E4’s The Inbetweeners Emily Atack, superstar gamer AliA, and Premier League footballer Andros Townsend, the free-to-all event was the perfect way to repay loyal Xbox gamers.

Plan B at the Xbox One launch in Leicester Square November 21, 2013

Consumers who wanted to purchase their Xbox One at midnight were not left disappointed. As the #XboxOneSquare event closed, hundreds of gamers moved across to the “Area One” event in the Trocadero Centre to get more hands-on time with the games and join the queue at a special GAME pop-up store. The UK’s first official Xbox One owner, Charlie Pulbrook, said: “I’m shaking with excitement. I’m ecstatic. I didn’t realise I was going to be the first person.”

 

Gamers get their hands on the Xbox One November 21, 2013

 

With 22 launch titles, ten of which are exclusive and can’t find be available elsewhere,, Xbox One is considered to have the best games line-up, featuring award-winning exclusives such as “Forza Motorsport 5,” “Dead Rising 3,” and “Ryse: Son of Rome”, as well as blockbuster third party games including “Watch Dogs,” “Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag,” “Destiny,” “Call of Duty: Ghosts” and “Battlefield 4.”.

Xbox One is the only system that lets you play your favourite games, watch the hottest TV shows and movies, listen to music, surf the web, and talk with your family and friends via Skype – all seamlessly, and without changing the input on your TV. Xbox is leading the new generation of games and entertainment by delivering all of the content fans love in one place.

As one media commentator declared this week: “The future is here and we love it.”