Improved Surface & Windows Phone sales could help traction in mobile & tablet gaming sector too
Microsoft’s Q2 earnings for 2014 appear to be 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.
TIGA CEO, Dr. Richard Wilson 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.”