Sony has been left swallowing their pride after Microsoft announced that sales of Xbox 360 consoles have passed the 30 million mark globally, with its Xbox LIVE community swelling to more than 20 million active members. Earlier this year Nintendo hit 50 million with their Nintendo Wii while Sony has only been able to achieve 20 million units despite having a 12 month head start on the Nintendo Wii.
Microsoft claims that the success of the Xbox platform can be measured across the business, with Xbox LIVE now considered the world’s largest global entertainment network. Increasing consumer desire to connect with friends and extend the life of their favourite games has been the primary driver behind the growth of Xbox LIVE membership and the reason Xbox continues to expand offerings on the platform.
“We’ve always been confident that Xbox 360 offers more entertainment value than any other console on the market, and these latest numbers show that consumers agree,” said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “We expect our growth to continue to accelerate. Our news at E3 next week will underscore our commitment to bringing blockbuster entertainment experiences to everyone and to growing the Xbox entertainment brand globally.”
Activity on Xbox LIVE, surged following the launch of a new Xbox Live in November 2008. Since that time, the community has recorded a 136 per cent increase in new members, purchases of games, Game add-ons and more on Xbox LIVE Arcade have increased by 70 per cent. Xbox LIVE reaches 26 countries worldwide.
Consumers can expect more announcements from Microsoft next week as Xbox 360 kicks off the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), the world’s premier trade show for computer and video games and related products, with its press briefing on Monday, June 1, in Los Angeles.
