QUEUES are expected around the block in Bolton as gamers wait to get their hands on the year’s most eagerly anticipated computer game tonight.

FIFA 17 is officially launched on Thursday, September 29, and many shops are opening a midnight to cash in on the football phenomenon.

At Game in Victoria Square, deputy manager Derek Bond revealed that the store had already sold 700 copies of the game on pre-order alone.

“We’ll be opening from 10pm, with the game available from midnight. Every year when the latest FIFA is launched, there are big queues,” he said.

“We’re expecting hundreds to buy the game when it’s launched. It’s like Christmas. Last year we probably had just under a thousand.”

As well as opening the store early, Game are also running a launch party in conjunction with Blind Tiger club in nearby Nelson Square from 9pm.

At both locations, gamers will be able to try their luck at a FIFA 17 fastest goal completion, with a free copy of the game for whoever hits the back of the net in record time.

Many other locations across Bolton will be offering the game for purchase from midnight.

Morrisons in Black Horse Street will be opening especially from midnight for two hours so people to purchase the game.

Asda at Burnden Park, a 24 hour store, confirmed that it will be letting people shoppers buy the game from midnight.

Tesco at the Middlebrook Retail Park will also be having a midnight launch of the game.

Games developer, Electronic Arts, launches a new version of FIFA each year.

The game uses a complex array of real-world football scout reports and analytics to determine how players and teams perform in the game.

The top rated player in the new game is Real Madrid’s Christiano Ronaldo, followed by Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

The highest rated British-based player is Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Manchester United, while the highest rated Brit is Gareth Bale at number six. There are no English players in the FIFA 17 top 50.

The coveted honour of appearing on the FIFA 17 cover went to Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus, following a fan vote earlier this year.

He beat Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez, Manchester United’s Anthony Martial and Chelsea’s Eden Hazard to the top spot, with 3.1 million votes cast on EA’s website.

Official UK pricing guidelines for FIFA 17. Please note that prices may vary.

Xbox One

Regular edition: £44.99

Deluxe edition: £59.99

Xbox 360

Regular edition: £43.99

Deluxe edition: £54.99

PS4

Regular edition: £44.99

Deluxe edition: £59.99

PS3

Regular edition: £43.99

Deluxe edition: £54.99