Microsoft has achieved unprecedented success, surpassing previous revenue records with a staggering $3.9 billion in gaming earnings from July to September. The driving force behind this remarkable achievement was the highly anticipated release of Starfield.
In comparison to the first quarter of the previous financial year, where Microsoft set a record of $3.6 billion, the company experienced a significant nine percent increase, surpassing the previous record by $300 million. This outstanding performance was revealed in Microsoft’s Q1 2024 report.
Starfield played a pivotal role in this success, with reports and estimates suggesting that millions of copies were sold, attracting numerous subscribers to the Game Pass service. Additionally, the Bethesda title contributed to a remarkable 13 percent surge in revenue for Xbox content and services compared to the previous year, despite a seven percent decline in hardware sales.
Microsoft also highlighted the impact of Starfield on Game Pass play hours, which experienced a record spike this quarter, as well as achieving a one-day subscription record on its launch day. Although specific figures were not disclosed, it is evident that Starfield has garnered a significant player base, with over 11 million players to date, half of whom are PC players. This indicates that more than a million players have purchased the game since September 20, when the count stood at 10 million. Despite concerns about a declining player base on Steam, Starfield’s growth continues.
With Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Activision-Blizzard, all eyes are now on the upcoming quarter, particularly with the highly anticipated release of Modern Warfare 3 on November 10, which is expected to be a blockbuster. If the buzz surrounding this release continues, Microsoft may surpass the record set by Starfield, demonstrating the potential long-term payoff of their substantial acquisitions of Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard, valued at $7.5 billion and $68.7 billion respectively.
It remains to be seen how these developments will unfold, but for now, Microsoft’s success with Starfield has undoubtedly made a significant impact in the gaming industry.
Source: DOTESPORTS
