Excited gamers are queuing in droves this morning to pick up a copy of the latest FIFA game that launched last night.

Simon Meadow, manager of the Game store in Victoria Square, said he was expecting more than 600 people to pass through the shop today, in addition to those who took part Game's FIFA 15 launch event at the Grovesnor G Casino last night.

Game manager Simon Meadow said: “It’s always like this for us on big days. We opened at midnight again, but it’s starting to get easier with every new launch.

“There is a huge passion for the big games – FIFA and Call of Duty will be the big ones every year – and we’ll probably see well over 600 people coming through today, not including the people who have pre-ordered.

“It takes a lot of preparation to be ready for these days, but we get the work done very early on.”

The queues were hardly a new experience for many of those waiting patiently, with a number of hardened gaming veterans saying they were used to biding their time.

25-year-old Kieron Lennon, from Bolton, said: “I queue up for FIFA, Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto every year so I’m used to this.

"The game looks so much better this year. I’ve been on the demo and it’s a lot more realistic than it has been in the past.”

Others were kind enough to queue in place of friends and family members – Vinnie Wan, aged 22, from Astley Bridge, said: “It’s my first time queuing up, but I’m only here for my brother – I never even play on FIFA.”

The game went on sale at midnight on Friday, retailing at a minimum price of £47.99 on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, although it is cheaper on the PS3.

Lee Cole, from Deane, queuing with his wife Mary, said: “My kids and I are big gamers on the PS4 so I just had to come down today.

“I had Pro-Evolution Soccer for a few years but we’re into FIFA now, I much prefer it.”