It went from around 50,000 users in 2002 to the lofty heights of 35 million by 2010’s end. New XBL features introduced in 2009 doubled the user-base from 2008 to 20 million.
Sky Player, Twitter, Facebook and blockbuster titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 caused a surge in membership in 2009. Kinect in 2010 grew another 15 million users.
“We know already that users are resonating with the fact that the games console goes beyond its usual remit,” said Microsoft’s Robin Burrowes. More than 75 percent of console owners in Europe watch DVDs or Blu-ray on them, while 72 percent download content. He also noted 42 percent of people watch TV or video whilst being social online.
Later this year Xbox Live adds BBC iPlayer, LOVEFiLM as well as Channel 4 and 5 content in the UK.
