Sources speaking with The Verge indicate that Gears of War: E-Day has sold more than 400,000 copies across both console and PC platforms. This figure comes a month after the game's launch, which included its availability as a day-one title on Xbox Game Pass.
The latest installment in the Gears franchise has been met with critical praise, earning high scores from reviewers, including an IGN review that awarded it a 9 out of 10. The game was lauded for its "stellar story campaign" which is "complemented by an excellent multiplayer suite."
However, the reported sales figures suggest that the game's popularity may not be directly translating into unit purchases. The Verge's reporting highlights that a substantial number of players likely engaged with the game through Game Pass, rather than purchasing it outright. The title was available on Game Pass from its launch day, and a Premium Edition Upgrade offered early access five days prior to the official release.
Data from Alinea Analytics appears to support this observation. According to Rhys Elliott, head of market analysis at the research firm, an estimated 1.7 million players accessed E-Day via their Game Pass subscription. Elliott's analysis suggests that out of this group, approximately 722,000 opted for the Premium upgrade, with an additional 250,000 Premium upgrades being purchased between October 1 and the game's full release on October 6.
Elliott's breakdown indicated that for every copy sold on Xbox, nearly 12 Game Pass upgrades were sold. While Xbox accounted for a significant portion of the game's revenue, the data suggests that nearly 950,000 players paid for the game in some capacity, primarily through upgrades rather than direct copy purchases.
These sales figures emerge during a period of significant change for Xbox. The company is undergoing a major restructuring, which includes widespread layoffs. Furthermore, reports suggest a potential overhaul of the Xbox Game Pass service, which may introduce tiered subscription options and feature add-ons for specific content like cloud gaming and multiplayer.