Xbox Live is now like a game being released every year that sells 12 million copies. And that 12 million is growing each year.

Its like a game that sells 12 million a year and has everyone spend on microtransactions

Here ya go
xanderzane
troll
newbie
D-FENS

This was the thread where I first realized that the companies of MS, Sony, and Nintendo list their sales as "sold to retailers". I did the exact same thing that you guys are doing in this thread. With experience comes wisdom, and you will most certainly gain some EXP when you realize that the number MS is quoting in the OP is "sold to retailers", and not "sold to consumers"

http://www.vgchartz.com/forum/thread.php?id=47044

Yeah over 34 million sounds right.

The history of these reports clearly favors that 34+ million figure falling in the shipped category.  The console manufacturers don't have hard stats retail sales, since that would be insider information.  I'm sure hey have a sold idea, since they ship the orders to keep the retailers stocked, but not the exact figures...and especially not based on short turnaround in a reporting cycle....as Thepro said, based on experience, it's shipped.

As to the 10-Q...it pretty good...as far as EDD is concerned.  Halo ODST did it's thing, but in general, the numbers look really promising for the Division:

“Entertainment and Devices Division (“EDD”) offerings include the Xbox 360 platform (which includes the Microsoft Xbox 360 video game console system, Xbox 360 video games, Xbox Live, and Xbox 360 accessories), the Zune digital music and entertainment platform, PC software games, online games and services, Mediaroom (our Internet protocol television software), the Microsoft Surface computing platform, Windows Mobile and embedded device platforms, and other devices. EDD leads the development efforts for our line of consumer software and hardware products including application software for Apple’s Macintosh computers and Microsoft PC hardware products, and is responsible for all retail sales and marketing for Microsoft Office and Windows operating systems.

EDD revenue was flat with growth in Xbox 360 platform and PC game revenue offset by decreased revenue from the non-gaming portion of the business. Xbox 360 platform and PC game revenue increased by $96 million or 8% due mainly to increased revenue from Xbox Live and Xbox 360 video games, offset in part by decreased revenue per console resulting from price reductions during the past 12 months. We shipped 2.1 million Xbox 360 consoles during the first quarter of fiscal year 2010, compared with 2.2 million Xbox 360 consoles during the first quarter of fiscal year 2009. Non-gaming revenue decreased $98 million or 14%, primarily reflecting decreased sales of PC hardware products, Zune digital music and entertainment devices and services, and embedded device platforms. Foreign currency exchange rates accounted for a $35 million or two percentage point decrease in revenue.

EDD operating income increased primarily due to decreased operating expenses. Cost of revenue decreased $103 million or 10%, primarily due to decreased Xbox 360 platform costs, offset in part by increased royalties to partners related to increased Xbox Live transactions. Other operating expenses decreased $51 million or 7%, primarily reflecting decreased headcount-related and outsourced expenses associated with research and development.”

These are just really solid results, and for this upcoming quarter, it’s mostly likely to be even stronger; from the gaming side, Forza is released, and some major 3^rd party titles as well…MW2, Dragon Age, etc, so those will make up for the Halo ODST’s launch numbers…which will also tack on another 1.5 to 2 million copies.  Of course, the major driver for the EDD in the quarter will be Windows 7 retail …for all the people who have been flailing Xbox for EDD…they are going to be doing the kabuki dance to explain the eye-popping numbers EDD will post for this current qtr. 

I think if one looks at 2009, and TRULY understands the dynamics of game development, what one can glean from 2009 is that developers and publishers lacked confidence in M$ and the 360 future. M$ took a basic strategy of relying on 3rd party developers to do the heavy lifting for it, and in order to have a new IP in 2009...they would have had to have started in 2006-2007 timeframe...I think starts to understand why M$ HAD to fund those Japanese developers...as they were just never going to do 360 development. I think M$ has basically won the 3rd party battle, and most independent developers are not going to skip the console...now, it's the issue of how can M$ get it's chops up on fully exclusives for the 360. Imho, you don't need full development studios, just contract it out, and rely on strong and knowledgable development core teams of MSGS employees...own the IP, and have others develop the game...ala Crackdown, and now Halo.

Why are you people such ignorant assholes? Do some research. Read the following quote from Microsoft's Investor Relations Website (page five)

"In the Entertainment and Devices Division, while console revenue was impacted by price cuts and volume decline, overall gaming revenue was up almost $100 million.

Halo 3 ODST was the number one selling console title in the U.S. last month, along with five other Xbox 360 games in the top 10.  With a worldwide install base of almost 34 million consoles, Xbox 360 continues to lead the industry with an 8.7 software title attach rate.  Xbox Live also contributed strongly to the quarter's performance, with revenue growth in excess of 50 percent.  We believe consumers will be excited by the richer multimedia enhancements, and integration with social networks that we are delivering this fall."

Microsoft is citing shipments - this is clear by looking at their powerpoint - slides. The big three sell their systems to retailers like Walmart, so if a research firm like NPD isn't cited, Microsoft is giving the number of systems it sold to retailers.

The 33.5m LTD Shipment Figure is based on this, all of which I've just rechecked on Microsoft's investor's relation website:

         Shipments in millions for the Quarter Ending....

                   March            June              September           December

2005           N/A                N/A                 N/A                         1.5

2006           1.7                 1.8                 0.9                         4.5

2007           0.5                0.7                 1.7                          4.3

2008           1.3                1.3                 2.2                          6.0

2009          1.7                 1.2                  2.1

1.5+1.7+1.8+0.9+4.5+0.5+0.7+1.7+4.3+1.3+1.3+2.2+6.0+1.7+1.2+2.1 = 33.5m

Notice how Microsoft's actual, non GameSpot bastardardized quote from their website is almost 34m units? 33.5m is almost 34 million.

Thanks for the impressive display of own4ge, Source. +1 EXP.

Damn MS SHIPPED 6 Million last three month of last year, very nice.

I feel bad for the prof, I wish i was there to help you buddy.

And for the rest of you, you got the Source upset. Very Nice.

^^^ The ignorance on some of these threads are nearly unbearable at times...too many people speak out of turn, without even doing a simple web search before yapping away....and even when people post Facts...some continue in their dream world.