Xbox Game Pass Surges with Indiana Jones, Call of Duty; Hardware Sales Decline

During Microsoft's Q2 investor call, CEO Satya Nadella announced that Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, developed by MachineGames, has attracted 4 million players. Despite a relatively subdued earnings report for its gaming division, this title stands out as a highlight, earning critical praise, numerous accolades, and a significant player base. Although exact sales figures are challenging to determine due to its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass, reaching 4 million players is a notable achievement, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding a modern, AAA Indiana Jones game.

The game received high marks from critics and was described as an "irresistible and immersive global treasure hunt." It has also been nominated for Game of the Year and Best Xbox Game, reflecting its impact within the industry. For a more detailed review, you can read our full analysis here.

However, challenges remain. While Game Pass performed better than anticipated, overall gaming revenue fell by 7%, and Xbox hardware revenue dropped by 29%.

This indicates that Microsoft still faces competition in the console and hardware markets. Nonetheless, the company's ongoing commitment to Game Pass seems to be yielding positive results. The growth in Game Pass on PC aligns with a robust lineup of 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 made available on Game Pass day one for Ultimate subscribers, further driving adoption and engagement.