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

During today's Q2 investors call, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that Indiana Jones and The Great Circle has attracted 4 million players, marking a significant achievement for MachineGames' latest release. Amidst a generally subdued earnings report for Microsoft's gaming division, Indiana Jones and The Great Circle stands out with its critical acclaim, multiple awards, and robust player base. Although precise sales figures are elusive due to its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass, reaching 4 million players is a testament to the game's appeal, especially for a modern, AAA title in the Indiana Jones franchise.

We were thoroughly impressed by the game, describing it as an "irresistible and immersive global treasure hunt." It earned nominations for Game of the Year and Best Xbox Game. For a comprehensive review, you can visit our full analysis here.

However, challenges remain. Despite the strong performance of Game Pass, overall gaming revenue dropped by 7%, and Xbox hardware revenue fell by 29%.

What does this mean for Microsoft? While the company needs to strengthen its position in the console and hardware market, its investment in Game Pass is clearly bearing fruit. The growth of Game Pass on PC aligns well with last quarter's lineup of major releases, including Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Microsoft Flight Simulator, all of which were available on Game Pass from day one for Ultimate subscribers.