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Microsoft emailing select gamers with free Xbox One Killer Instinct offer

"You're a fan of ours and we're a fan of yours."

An unknown number of Xbox Live subscribers have received an email from Microsoft that offers them a full copy of Xbox One digital launch title Killer Instinct on 22nd November.

The email states that the recipient will get a version of the game with all characters unlocked from the off. Further instructions will follow on the 22nd, the day of Xbox One's launch.

"You're a fan of ours and we're a fan of yours," the email begins. "Thank you for your dedication to Xbox. We want to show you our appreciation, so we're giving you Killer Instinct."

Microsoft has confirmed the unexpected emails as legitimate via its Xbox Support Twitter account. Prior to this, at least one recipient was initially told the offer was a scam.

"We've selected a bunch of our Xbox fans for their support and as a celebration for the upcoming Xbox One," Xbox Support explained. But the help service refused to offer more details on how the winners were chosen - or whether more emails might be sent.

Gamers with and without the email have been comparing Xbox Live stats to try and determine Microsoft's methods for picking Killer Instinct winners - with little success.

Some recipients have the Xbox One Pre-order Achievement - but others don't. Some have been beta testers - others have not. Some have nearly a decade of Xbox Live under their belt - others don't.

"We don't have any specifics on that other than that some users have received a gift," a representative wrote. "We considered a variety of things like Gamerscore, Live tenure and other factors in markets where Xbox One is available."