James Lee
10:33 (BST)
06/01/2009
Xbox Live hits 1.5 million concurrent users
Microsoft has followed up a spate of news on the success of the Xbox 360 over the Christmas period by announcing that the console's online service, Xbox Live, has hit its highest ever level of concurrent users at 1.5 million.
Yesterday, the company boasted that it had seen its best Christmas sales ever and that the console now outpaced Sony's PlayStation 3 by more than 8 million units to settle at a total of 28 million.
"For Xbox, 2008 will be remembered around the world as a pivotal growth year at retail and online — even in the face of tough economic conditions," said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft.
"Worldwide, a record number of players flocked to our broadest games and entertainment line-up ever, while the New Xbox Experience thrilled millions of fans by making our console even more engaging. And yet, we've only provided a glimpse into the new world of interactive entertainment that we’re imagining. The best of Xbox 360 is yet to come."
The record breaking figure for Xbox Live was largely credited to the launch of NXE, which Microsoft says has boosted movie, game and TV show downloads.
The Dark Knight, Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, and Hellboy II: The Golden Army are listed among the most popular movies downloaded, as well as South Park, Family Guy, and The Office as the most popular TV shows.
A Kingdom for Keflings, which makes uses of the NXE Avatars, was named as one of the most popular arcade tiles, along side Castle Crashers and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix.
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