Microsoft sent word that there was a 58 percent increase in unique members buying arcade titles over the months of June-July. Then in August the percentage jumped to 67 percent and for the first time ever Xbox.Com had an arcade page landing in the top three for views that month. In normal language the Arcade had a killer summer in overall sales. I know that the casual gamer is growing and the arcade is a perfect draw for this crowed. While Microsoft wants to say that the spike was due to better games I am not so sure I would agree 100 percent with that. They also had a huge contest this summer and yes, there were a few great games to hit the arcade this summer. Including Bionic Commando Rearmed, Castle Crashers and Geometry Wars 2. While games from new developers like Braid showed promise although a bit over priced.

I will say that the comments from MS during E3 promising better games and more focus on the arcade service was met. I still think the surge in sales are due to the casual gamer and the trend will continue. We have talked about this before here at XBS in the forums as staff and on our podcasts. If you walk away with anything from reading this it shows that more people are getting into the Xbox 360 and the arcade is showing it can help boost sales. I am glad that the arcade is doing well and I hope this helps push for even better games this winter. Games like the new Portal: Still Alive and the South Park title should help insure a great line up with more games still not announced for the Christmas season.

Filed under: News • Xbox 360 • Xbox Live

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