Starfield Shines as Best-Selling Game Despite Xbox Game Pass Inclusion

Starfield, Bethesda’s highly-anticipated sci-fi RPG, had a remarkable launch month in the United States, despite being available on Xbox Game Pass from day one. The game entered early access on September 1 and quickly became a massive success, topping the U.S. sales charts for a five-week period ending on September 30. It outperformed other new releases like Mortal Kombat 1, EA Sports FC 24, and Payday 3, securing its place as the seventh best-selling game of the year in the U.S.

Starfield’s successful launch, coupled with its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass, contributed to its strong momentum. The game attracted six million players on PC and current-generation Xbox consoles within a day of leaving early access, and it reached 10 million players by the end of summer. While the exact impact on Xbox Game Pass subscriptions remains to be seen, Starfield has already become the second best-selling console exclusive of 2023 in the U.S., just behind Tears of the Kingdom, despite many players accessing it through their Xbox Game Pass subscriptions.

Microsoft’s strategy of promoting Xbox Game Pass to reach broader audiences hasn’t diminished Starfield’s ability to generate direct revenue, making it a commercial success both in terms of traditional sales and subscriptions. The company’s approach to gaming seems to be reaping significant rewards, with Starfield leading the charge as a monumental release.

Starfield, Bethesda’s highly-anticipated sci-fi RPG, had a remarkable launch month in the United States, despite being available on Xbox Game Pass from day one. The game entered early access on September 1 and quickly became a massive success, topping the U.S. sales charts for a five-week period ending on September 30. It outperformed other new releases like Mortal Kombat 1, EA Sports FC 24, and Payday 3, securing its place as the seventh best-selling game of the year in the U.S.

Starfield’s successful launch, coupled with its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass, contributed to its strong momentum. The game attracted six million players on PC and current-generation Xbox consoles within a day of leaving early access, and it reached 10 million players by the end of summer. While the exact impact on Xbox Game Pass subscriptions remains to be seen, Starfield has already become the second best-selling console exclusive of 2023 in the U.S., just behind Tears of the Kingdom, despite many players accessing it through their Xbox Game Pass subscriptions.

Microsoft’s strategy of promoting Xbox Game Pass to reach broader audiences hasn’t diminished Starfield’s ability to generate direct revenue, making it a commercial success both in terms of traditional sales and subscriptions. The company’s approach to gaming seems to be reaping significant rewards, with Starfield leading the charge as a monumental release.