Sales numbers are vital in the video game world. They help show how good or bad a system, game title, peripheral, or something else video game related is doing. And sometimes, it allows the publisher or developer to have their moment in the sun when something goes really well, which we help with by writing up articles about them. However, for Microsoft, in the course of a gaming generation, they went from broadcasting Xbox 360 sales numbers to being mum about the Xbox One. Why is that?
Well, this started in October 2015 believe it or not, but Microsoft really wouldn’t give a reason why. But now, Variety got a straight answer from them, and it may not be what you expect.
“We are continuing to look at engagement as our key metric for success and are no longer reporting on total console sales,” said a spokesperson. “During Microsoft’s FY18 Q3 earnings, we announced that gaming revenue grew 18% year-over-year, driven by Xbox software and services revenue growth of 24%, and Xbox Live monthly active users grew 1% year-over-year to 59 million. We continue to see strong growth with time spent on Xbox Live, and look forward to bringing more unprecedented experiences on Xbox One, Windows 10 PC and mobile.”
On the surface, this seems like a fine answer. They’re focusing on providing info on how engaged their consumer base is with their system. Which is without a doubt something you want to have for your console and games. However, there is another logical explanation for this…they’re dead last in the current console war.
Now, yes, this “sales numbers cloaking” started when the Wii U was still around and they definitely dominated that system. But, the PS4 was dominating the Xbox One. And now, with the Nintendo Switch out, it’s getting even worse, and the Xbox One X isn’t helping much either.
Microsoft can do what it wants, but we think this is the real reason they refuse to share sales numbers anymore.
