Microsoft in exclusive tie-up with Amazon for Xbox video game sales in India

Microsoft today announced an exclusive partnership with Amazon in India to sell the entire range of products from its interactive entertainment business (IEB), including the Xbox One, Xbox 360, Kinect, Xbox Live, Xbox Accessories and all Microsoft-published Xbox game titles, beginning 1 September 2014.

Amazon.in, which is ramping up capacity and is engaged in a tough fight with its Indian peers for the market, also announced exclusive pre-orders for Xbox One beginning today.

''As a core pillar of our consumer strategy in India, we see tremendous opportunity in delivering our products and services to the ever-expanding natively digital audience. We believe this collaboration with Amazon gives us the platform to build scale at an unprecedented level for the gaming and entertainment category in India,'' Chakrapani Gollapali, country general manager-Consumer Channels Group, Microsoft Corporation India Pvt Ltd, said.

Microsoft, he said, would also partner local content companies to give consumers in India a better gaming and entertainment experience of their choice.

''This is the first time that we will be focusing on retailing our products through an 'online only' channel and we look forward to bringing the world's most-loved gaming portfolio to Indian consumers through India's largest and fastest growing online store Amazon.in," he added.

''We are very excited to be the partner of choice for Microsoft's entire interactive entertainment business portfolio in India. We are the fastest growing eCommerce platform in the country today and this partnership is a validation of the faith customers and sellers place on our brand. This partnership gives us the opportunity to forge deeper engagement with gaming enthusiasts across the country and aligns with our vision of offering customers in India the widest selection at low prices, fast and reliable delivery and a trustworthy shopping experience,'' said Samir Kumar, director - category management at Amazon India.

Microsoft will make the Xbox One available in India beginning 23 September 2014 at a price of Rs39,990 and Xbox One with Kinect at Rs45,990. The Kinect version will offer a number of games and entertainment experiences exclusive to Xbox including gesture controls, biometric sign-in, Skype video calls etc.

 ''This is a historic moment for Xbox in India. This unique partnership and the launch of Xbox One will bring a colossal line-up of exclusive blockbusters, the best multi-player experience and amazing entertainment experiences like Game DVR, Twitch, Live TV Pass Thru, Snap on TV, Skype, Voice commands through Kinect and Internet Explorer. We are also committed to bring local movies, music and on-demand TV as part of our entertainment portfolio for the Xbox Live service,'' said Anshu Mor, director, Interactive Entertainment Business, Microsoft India.

He further added, ''We will continue to support sales of Xbox 360 portfolio till 30 August across our existing retail channels, post which the portfolio will become exclusive to Amazon.in. We also believe that Amazon India would offer consumers a great purchase experience and full assurance of getting a genuine console with warranty support in India.''

The entire range of its Interactive Entertainment Business (IEB) is being made available through sellers on the Amazon.in marketplace.

Microsoft in India will honour warranty support only for Xbox One consoles bought on on Amazon, the company said.