What ever happened to the real MAU numbers from Microsoft? That was their number to gauge success, but I only think they have given 2 updates since they announced their new metric. I just assumed there would be updates in at least every other NPD PR. I am just curious as to how the number has grown since their Windows 10 initiative with Xbox One.
You would think they should have some very nice monthly active user numbers steadily growing recently. Instead, they focus on hours played compared to last year, which should obviously be higher after a full year of additional worldwide console sales. But you would think MAU numbers, after the focus Microsoft placed on them, would make for much better, positive sounding PR and should be pretty impressive at this point.
The whole MAU fascination has obviously been a thing in these NPD threads, most for fun, but some of us have been seriously curious. Are the numbers leveling off? Do they wait until the MAU numbers build and make a bigger splash? Was it a bait and switch tactic to turn the focus from console sales to a different number they really weren't going to consistently share publicly? Is MAU more of a number only for investors?
I honestly think that MAU numbers are going to remain more of a Financial Report statistic in place of console sales, and the MAU updates in NPD PR are going to remain pretty rare. I guess everyone can stop asking for the holy MAU update each month.