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

Microsoft's Q2 earnings call revealed that Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny (the game's actual title, not "The Great Circle") has attracted 4 million players. This positive development stands out in an otherwise unremarkable gaming division report. The game's success, despite limited pre-release hype and its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass (making precise sales figures elusive), is noteworthy.

Critical acclaim and numerous awards have contributed to its popularity. We, too, lauded the game, describing it as an "irresistible and immersive global treasure hunt" and nominating it for Game of the Year and Best Xbox Game. Read our full review here.

Other Xbox highlights include a 30% increase in Game Pass PC subscribers last quarter, setting a new quarterly revenue record. Cloud gaming saw 140 million hours streamed. These factors contributed to a 2% growth in Xbox content and services revenue.

However, challenges remain. Despite exceeding expectations, overall gaming revenue decreased by 7%, and Xbox hardware revenue fell by 29%.

In summary, Microsoft needs to improve its console and hardware sales, but its investment in Game Pass is showing positive returns. The strong Game Pass PC growth is likely due to several high-profile 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.