Xbox Game Pass Records Growth After Indiana Jones, Call of Duty, but Hardware Sales Drop

During today's Q2 investors call, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that Indiana Jones and The Great Circle has attracted 4 million players. This revelation stands out as a highlight in an otherwise routine earnings report for Microsoft's gaming division. Developed by MachineGames, this latest release has not only received critical acclaim and multiple awards but has also captured the attention of millions. Although specific sales figures are elusive due to its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass, reaching 4 million players is a significant achievement, especially for a modern, AAA Indiana Jones game that many were unsure about.

We thoroughly enjoyed the game, describing it as an "irresistible and immersive global treasure hunt." It has also been nominated for Game of the Year and Best Xbox game. You can delve into our comprehensive review by clicking [ttpp]here[ttpp].

Elsewhere in the Xbox ecosystem, Microsoft reported a 30% growth in Game Pass PC subscriptions last quarter, setting a new record for quarterly revenue. Additionally, cloud gaming saw users log 140 million hours of streaming. These figures contributed to a 2% increase in Xbox content and service revenue.

However, there are areas where Microsoft needs to focus. Despite the robust performance of Game Pass, overall gaming revenue saw a 7% decline, and Xbox hardware revenue dropped by 29%.

What does this signify? Microsoft continues to face challenges in the console and hardware sectors, but its strategic focus on Game Pass is yielding positive results. The growth in Game Pass on PC is understandable, given the lineup of major game releases last quarter, including Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Microsoft Flight Simulator. All these titles were available on Game Pass from day one for Ultimate subscribers, highlighting the service's value proposition.