Game Pass Hits New Milestones With Record Subscribers
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Microsoft’s latest earnings report reveals impressive growth for Game Pass, signaling a win for the gaming giant. During the webcast, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shared the big news:
“Game Pass set a new quarterly record for revenue and grew its PC subscriber base by over 30% as we focus on driving fully paid subscribers.”
This growth is particularly noteworthy, as many believed Game Pass had reached a plateau. Two major titles played a key role in this success, the standout being Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which Nadella confirmed as the biggest launch in the franchise’s history:
“Black Ops 6 was the top-selling game on Xbox and PlayStation this quarter and saw more players in its launch quarter than any other paid release in the franchise’s history.”
With over 20 years of history, Call of Duty reaching new heights is a major achievement. For Microsoft, this kind of growth is exactly what they hoped for when they acquired Activision Blizzard for $69 billion. Clearly, that investment is starting to pay off.
Another Star Performer: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
It wasn’t just Call of Duty driving Game Pass numbers. Nadella also highlighted the success of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which has already drawn in over four million players:
“We saw rave reviews of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which has already been played by more than four million people.”
Its strong performance hints at a promising future for what could become a new franchise.
Gaming Revenue: A Mixed Bag
While Game Pass and content services are thriving, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue took a hit. For the quarter ending December 31, 2025, gaming revenue was down 7% year-over-year. Hardware sales were hit even harder, dropping by 29%. However, content and services revenue increased by 2%, helping offset these losses.
Interestingly, Microsoft reportedly spent over $450 million on games in December, cementing its position as the largest publisher in the world.
The Battle for PC Players
Microsoft’s record-breaking Game Pass growth is particularly strong in the PC market, an area that Sony is also targeting. In response, Sony recently announced changes to its PSN requirements to better cater to PC players, further intensifying the competition between the two giants.
The shift toward PC gaming is significant, as the platform continues to grow while traditional console markets show signs of stagnation. With more developers focusing on PC, platforms like Game Pass are becoming key battlegrounds for Microsoft and Sony.
What’s Next for Microsoft?
Microsoft’s multiplatform approach, which includes PC, PlayStation, and even Nintendo Switch, has driven monthly active player counts to new heights. Whether it’s console, PC, or mobile, Microsoft seems committed to capturing as much of the gaming landscape as possible.
What do you think of Microsoft’s latest achievements? Has the recent Game Pass success inspired confidence in your subscription? Maybe you’re one of the new PC subscribers driving this momentum. Let us know your thoughts below or share them on social media—we’d love to hear from you!
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