Despite having fewer console sales and users, Xbox has consistently outperformed PlayStation in terms of monthly active users (MAUs) for first-party games. This is largely due to the popularity of Minecraft, which is available on both PlayStation and Xbox. In fact, 35% of Xbox and PlayStation users playing Microsoft games are on PlayStation, showcasing the broad reach of Minecraft.
EA Wins Out
EA has been the leading games publisher across PlayStation and Xbox by MAUs since September, boasting a consistent market share above 16%. This dominance is attributed to a diverse portfolio of popular titles, including Apex Legends, Madden NFL, UFC, Need for Speed, The Sims, and Battlefield.
- EA’s subscription service, EA Play, is bundled with Xbox Game Pass, contributing to its widespread appeal.
- FIFA remains a cornerstone of EA’s success, with multiple generations of the franchise consistently ranking among the top ten games by MAUs. FIFA 20 even surpassed the newly released Dead Space remake in MAUs during February.
The Activision Blizzard Acquisition: A Potential Game Changer
The proposed Activision Blizzard acquisition has the potential to significantly shift the landscape of live service gaming. If the deal goes through, Activision Blizzard’s titles would disappear from the MAU charts, potentially catapulting Xbox ahead of EA in market share. This is because Microsoft would inherit a massive library of popular live service games, including Call of Duty, Overwatch, World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Candy Crush, effectively doubling its share of MAUs compared to Sony.
- The acquisition would create a massive library of popular live service games under the Xbox umbrella.
- The combined strength of Xbox and Activision Blizzard would potentially challenge EA’s dominance in the live service market.
Regulatory Scrutiny
The Activision Blizzard acquisition has faced scrutiny from regulators globally. While Japan has approved the deal, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has expressed concerns. The FTC in the US is scheduled to hold hearings in August to determine the deal’s impact on competition.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard would represent a significant strategic move for Xbox, potentially transforming it into a live service juggernaut. However, regulatory hurdles remain, casting uncertainty over the deal’s ultimate fate. Regardless of the outcome, the merger highlights the growing importance of live service gaming and the competitive landscape shaping the future of the gaming industry.
Leave a Reply