Starfield launch breaks the record for highest number of Game Pass subscribers in a day

Eleni Thomas
Starfield Game Pass

Microsoft has revealed that, thanks to their newest exclusive title Starfield, the record for the number of Game Pass subscribers in a single day has been broken during the launch of the new intergalactic exploration experience.

One of the biggest releases of 2023 has been Starfield. Despite Microsoft and Xbox being heavily scrutinized for their lack of first-party exclusive titles, their latest game, Starfield, has been a massive hit for the brand.

Starfield is a giant space exploration game, allowing players to build their own ship, traverse through uncharted worlds and come face to face with the lifeforms and unique nature of each. The Bethesda title serves as a brand new IP for the gaming company, which is best known for The Elder Scrolls franchise and Fallout series.

However, the newest financial report from Microsoft reveals that Starfield has potentially played a major role in booting Game Pass subscribers. The new details reveal that the Microsoft subscription service just broke its record for the highest number of new subscribers in a single day.

What day was this, you ask? The official launch day for Starfield on Game Pass. Given that the game has already surpassed over 6 million players, this news isn’t too surprising.

Further reports on social media added that “Satya Nadella announces on the Microsoft Earnings Call that Starfield launch generated the highest single day ad of Game Pass Subscribers in the history of the service.”

Starfield has been met by near-universal praise both critically and commercially. While some have issues with the game’s basic combat mechanics and limitations on exploration and customization, there is no denying that the game has been a massive hit for Microsoft.

And after this new report indicating that Game Pass has broken a new record, Microsoft will likely continue their plans to release their big exclusives on Game Pass as a way to further boost the service.

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About The Author

Eleni is a Melbourne-based journalist. Having completed her Bachelor's in communication (Journalism) at RMIT University, Eleni is now a Senior Writer for the Dexerto Australia team. A big Nintendo fan (with a Triforce tattoo to prove it) and a lover of the zombie genre, Eleni covers gaming, entertainment as well as TV and movies for the site. She is also passionate about covering Queer and female representation. Contact Eleni at eleni.thomas@dexerto.com