Microsoft Ranked as the Leading Video Game Publisher Last Month

Microsoft reigned supreme in the world of video game publishing in December 2024, raking in an impressive $465 million. While Nintendo and PlayStation hardware have been the talk of the town in recent months, Microsoft’s real triumph lies in its software prowess. This success is largely thanks to the strategic acquisition of studios and the distribution of games across multiple platforms, which has proven to be a winning formula.

Although Xbox consoles and accessories haven’t hit it big lately, with a significant drop in sales last year, Microsoft’s overall gaming division has still managed to grow. This is primarily due to the strong performance of its services and software. The trend appears to be continuing into the new year, positioning Microsoft for sustained success.

According to Ampere Analysis, as reported by VGC, Microsoft’s games brought in $465 million in December, outpacing EA, the runner-up, by nearly $100 million. This revenue surge can be largely attributed to Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard. With the Call of Duty franchise now under its belt—and surprisingly, with 64% of its December revenue coming from PlayStation users—it’s a testament to Microsoft’s expansive reach beyond its own consoles.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, in particular, was a massive force behind Microsoft’s success during this period. The game attracted millions of monthly users and boosted sales across Xbox, PC, and even PlayStation, showcasing the effectiveness of Microsoft’s cross-platform approach. Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, has hinted at further studio acquisitions, so this is likely just the beginning for Microsoft’s ambitious publishing strategy.

With its clever focus on acquisition rather than exclusivity, Microsoft sets itself apart from competitors fixated on exclusive titles and new hardware. And while some analysts predict that Xbox might lag behind Nintendo and PlayStation in future console sales, its continuing success as a game publisher could very well compensate for any shortcomings in hardware.