Resurgent Microsoft with 3.9m Xbox One sales a ‘ringing endorsement’ of games consoles & good news for UK games business

By January 24, 2014 Press Releases

Improved Surface & Windows Phone sales could help traction in mobile & tablet gaming sector too

 

TIGA the trade association representing the UK video game industry has called Microsoft’s Q2 earnings for 2014 a ‘ringing endorsement’ of games consoles and encouraging news for all developers working on Xbox One.
 
The world’s largest software business reported a net income of £3.94bn between October and December last year, helped by the sale of 3.9 million Xbox One consoles to retail channels, higher than the 3m unit sales previously announced.
 
 With 3.5 million Xbox 360 consoles sold during the same quarter it’s not just the next-gen machines driving consumer demand for gaming machines, and together, Xbox 360 and Xbox one sold 7.4 million units, up from 5.9 million last year.
 
Whilst Microsoft was less specific about sales of it’s tablet and mobile business arm, it did reveal Windows Phone revenue increased by 50 percent and Q2 2014’s Surface revenue was greater than its total revenue in 2013. Both of which add up to good news for those developers working on these platforms.
 
Mobile and tablet gaming has soared in popularity in recent years and a majority of new studios in the UK make games for these platforms. The initial success of Microsoft’s and Sony’s new consoles, coupled with the rise of mobile means there are opportunities for developers on a range of platforms.
 
Dr. Richard Wilson, CEO, TIGA, commented:
“Microsoft’s figures, together with Sony’s record-breaking PlayStation 4 sales are a ringing endorsement of consumers’ appetite for next-gen console gaming, and Xbox One in particular.
 
“There is still a great deal of uncertainty in the UK video game business, with the industry anxiously awaiting the EU Commission’s decision on Games Tax Relief, and many small and medium firms anticipating a tough 2014 in spite of the return of economic growth.
 
“So this is heartening news for any developer or partner with connections to Microsoft’s console business. The demand is there from consumers around the world, presenting an export opportunity for our high tech and highly skilled video game industry.”
 

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About TIGA

TIGA is the trade association representing the video game industry. We help developers and digital publishers build successful studios, network with the right people, save money and access professional business advice.
We also have outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. Since 2010, TIGA has won 16 business awards.  

TIGA focuses on three sets of activities:  

·       Political representation

·       Media representation

·       Business services  

This enhances the competitiveness of our members by providing benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.

It also means our members’ voices are heard in the corridors of power and positively represented in national, broadcast and UK video game trade media.

Get in touch:  

Tel: 0845 468 2330

Email: info@tiga.org  

Web: www.tiga.org 

Twitter: @TIGAMovement

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TIGAMovement 

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/tiga   

 

For further information, you can also contact:  

Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email: richard.wilson@tiga.org

Drew Field, TIGA Communications Director on: 07720 643 344, or email: drew.field@tiga.org

 

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