Microsoft throwing huge Titanfall launch party in Texas

Titanfall is one of Microsoft's most-anticipated titles of 2014, so it should come as no surprise that the company has announced a huge launch party extravaganza to mark the game's release.

Microsoft will host a "launch celebration" for Titanfall at South By Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas starting on Monday, March 10 and running through midnight on March 11. Attending the event will be Xbox executives and personalities like Yusuf Mehdi and Major Nelson, as well as Respawn Entertainment cofounder Vince Zampella and community manager Abbie Heppe.

A special performance by Childish Gambino will cap off the evening.

The Titanfall launch event will take place at the Microsoft Studio at 323 Congress Ave. and kicks off at 9 p.m. local time. Attendance will be on a first come, first admitted basis, though Microsoft said you can follow Major Nelson and Xbox on Twitter for a chance to get into the event.

If you can't make it to Austin, not to worry, as Microsoft will broadcast the Titanfall launch event via the official Xbox Twitch channel.

Finally, Microsoft noted that over 6,000 retailers across the United States will open at midnight on March 11 to start selling copies of Titanfall for Xbox One and PC. What's more, Microsoft is planning special launch events across Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand.

Titanfall launches March 25 for Xbox 360. That version was developed externally by Bluepoint Games. In addition to the main game, Microsoft will sell a special $500 Xbox One bundle and a $65 limited-run controller. For more on Titanfall, be sure to read GameSpot's new feature The Next Big Game: Titanfall.