Microsoft's Q2 earnings call revealed that Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny (the game, not the movie) has attracted 4 million players. This positive result stands out in an otherwise unremarkable gaming division report. The game, developed by MachineGames, has received critical praise, numerous awards, and now boasts a substantial player base. While precise sales figures are unavailable due to its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass, 4 million players represent a significant achievement, especially given the initial uncertainty surrounding a modern AAA Indiana Jones title.
IGN's positive review described the game as an "irresistible and immersive global treasure hunt," further highlighting its success with nominations for Game of the Year and Best Xbox Game.
Other Xbox news includes a 30% growth in Game Pass PC subscriptions last quarter, setting a new revenue record. Cloud gaming saw 140 million hours streamed. These factors contributed to a 2% increase in Xbox content and service revenue.
However, challenges remain. Despite exceeding expectations, overall gaming revenue decreased by 7%, and Xbox hardware revenue dropped by 29%.
In summary, Microsoft needs to improve its console and hardware performance. Nevertheless, its ongoing investment in Game Pass is showing positive returns, particularly the strong PC Game Pass growth fueled by recent major releases like 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.
