Xbox Game Pass users double, Xbox Live breaks records in Q2 earnings

Microsoft recently relayed its FY20 Q2 earnings, detailing increased revenue to $36.9 billion, with impressive growth across the past quarter. That also brings a 21 percent decline in overall gaming revenue, as efforts shift toward the upcoming Xbox Series X, and fewer third-party titles leave their impact on the market. However, Microsoft's ongoing investment in Xbox subscriptions partially offset those losses, with Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live smashing records.

Speaking on Microsoft's second-quarter 2020 earnings conference call, CEO Satya Nadella confirmed Xbox Game Pass subscribers "more than doubled this quarter," as the Netflix-style subscription steadily emerges a centerpiece of Xbox and PC offerings. Nadella also confirmed it set "a new record for Xbox Live monthly active users," primarily attributed to the strength on its Xbox consoles. Firm user counts for either service weren't provided.

Growth of Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold comes as little surprise, both framed as core components of the modern Xbox vision. Following expansion to PC and the introduction of the all-inclusive Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the rotating library of over 100 titles proposes an unmatched value proposition for both newcomers and Xbox veterans.