Xbox Game Pass significantly increases game sales and playtime says Microsoft

Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service which costs $9.99 per month. Customers gain access to over a hundred games — ranging from smaller experiences to massive blockbusters — for a limited time. Just like Netflix, some titles are permanent additions while others rotate in and out. Since the service launched, many gamers have been asking Microsoft how many subscribers it has. While usually the company doesn't comment on sales figures, during an interview between Microsoft's Executive Vice President of Gaming Phil Spencer and LevelUp, the former revealed a general count. There are "millions of subscribers" already.

However, what does this mean for Microsoft? How does Xbox Game Pass help the company? Luckily, the Head of Planning at Xbox Game Pass Matt Percy provided some answers. Nico Partners' Daniel Ahmad compiled some information from a report by The Sydney Morning Herald. Microsoft has seen the following growth as a result of Xbox Game Pass.

  • 20 percent increase in playtime.
  • 40 percent increase in number of games played.
  • Whenever new games enter Xbox Game Pass, active players double.
  • 25 percent increase in preorders.
  • 10 percent increase in franchise sales.

These are definitely impressive results, especially the fact that there is a 40 percent increase in the number of games subscribers play. It's great to see that Xbox Game Pass is doing so well. Hopefully the trend will continue in the future as more high-profile titles join the service.

Do you pay $9.99 a month for Xbox Game Pass? Let us know. What do you want out of the service in the future?

Asher Madan

Asher Madan handles gaming news for Windows Central. Before joining Windows Central in 2017, Asher worked for a number of different gaming outlets. He has a background in medical science and is passionate about all forms of entertainment, cooking, and antiquing.