Many Players Jumped Ship After 14 Days
Prior to March 2018, Microsoft’s Sea of Thieves witnessed multiple betas in which players embarked on high-seas shenanigans. The Xbox One exclusive witness an extra breath of exposure, thanks to its popularity amongst streamers. However, it seems the prime motivator to partake in Microsoft’s first exclusive of the year was the Xbox Game Pass 14-day free trial.
According to market intelligence firm SuperData, at least half of Sea of Thieves’ playerbase were Xbox Game Pass free trial users. When the game launched on March 20th, the experience was made available at your traditional retail outlets and digital stores, but the subscription service took up the bulk. Thus, March witnessed 1.7 million users on Xbox One, alongside 283,000 users on Windows PC. As the firm explained, “more than half of these users obtained the game through the limited free trial offered as part of Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass.” Many players did not renew Xbox Game Pass after the initial trial period.
Interestingly enough, Sea of Thieves is considered Microsoft’s most successful IP this generation. That said, it is difficult to calculate the game’s true success when so many of its players are (or were) interfacing via monthly subscription service. If SuperData’s report is true, the Microsoft exclusive could be looking at half—if not less than the number of players it saw in March.
It is not uncommon for free trials to leave many unconverted users, Xbox Game Pass being no exception. Since Sea of Thieves was the first AAA game of the year, Microsoft could be banking on the success of games like State of Decay 2 or Crackdown 3, which have also been advertised for the service. Time will tell if the monthly subscription service can push interest in Microsoft-exclusive games or vice-versa. For now, let us know your thoughts on this revelation. Are you surprised that half the Sea of Thieves playerbase scurried after the free trial? What’s your take? Let us know in the comments below.
SOURCE: Inquisitr