During today's Q2 investors call, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that Indiana Jones and The Great Circle has captivated an impressive 4 million players. Amidst a generally uneventful earnings report for its gaming division, MachineGames' latest release stands out as a shining achievement, earning widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards. The game's availability on Xbox Game Pass makes precise sales figures elusive, but the 4 million player milestone is a testament to the game's appeal, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding a modern, AAA Indiana Jones title.
We were thoroughly impressed with the game, describing it as an "irresistible and immersive global treasure hunt." It has also garnered nominations for Game of the Year and Best Xbox game. You can delve into our detailed review here.
On the broader Xbox front, Microsoft disclosed a 30% growth in Game Pass PC subscriptions last quarter, setting a new record for quarterly revenue. Additionally, cloud gaming saw a significant engagement with 140 million hours streamed. These factors contributed to a 2% increase in Xbox content and service revenue.However, challenges persist. Despite the robust performance of Game Pass, overall gaming revenue dropped by 7%, and Xbox hardware revenue saw a steep decline of 29%.
What does this signify? Microsoft has room for improvement in the console and hardware sectors, but its commitment to Game Pass is evidently yielding positive results. The growth of Game Pass on PC aligns with the release of major titles last quarter, including Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Microsoft Flight Simulator, all of which were accessible on Game Pass from day one for Ultimate subscribers.
