Microsoft's Q2 earnings call revealed that Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny (note: The title has been corrected to reflect the actual game title. The original text contained an inaccurate title.) has attracted 4 million players. This success story shines amidst a somewhat underwhelming performance from the gaming division.
MachineGames' Indiana Jones title has received widespread critical acclaim, numerous awards, and now boasts a substantial player base. Precise sales figures remain elusive due to its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass, but 4 million players represent a significant achievement, especially considering the lack of clear expectations for a modern, AAA Indiana Jones game.
Our own review praised the game as an "irresistible and immersive global treasure hunt," and it's been nominated for Game of the Year and Best Xbox Game. [Link to full review].
Further Xbox news includes a 30% increase in Game Pass PC subscribers last quarter, setting a new revenue record. Cloud gaming saw 140 million hours streamed. These positive trends contributed to a 2% growth in Xbox content and services revenue.
However, challenges remain. While Game Pass exceeded expectations, overall gaming revenue decreased by 7%, and Xbox hardware revenue fell by 29%.
In summary, Microsoft faces an uphill battle in the console and hardware market, but its continued investment in Game Pass is showing positive returns. The strong Game Pass PC growth is likely fueled by several significant game releases last quarter, including Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Microsoft Flight Simulator, all available on Game Pass day one for Ultimate subscribers.
