Xbox Live Arcade Sees Best March Ever, Thanks to Arcade Block Party

As per the released report by Forecasting and Analyzing Digital Entertainment, LLC (FADE), the Xbox Live Arcade grew by 41% in March when compared to March of 2009. FADE estimates that Xbox Live Arcade has grown 5% overall in 2010 due to weaker than expected showings in January and February.

Gaming revenue in March 2010 topped $10 million USD for the first time ever, reaching an estimated $10.6 million USD. By comparison, estimates for March 2009 were $7.5 million, and $6.8 million in February 2010. Impressive sales were realized due to the promotion of the Xbox Live 'Block Party' promotion which released 4 major titles, starting with Signal Games' RTS/FPS hybrid "Toy Soldiers" and ending with the retro arcade release of "Game Room". "Like the annual 'Summer of Arcade' promotion, this new promotion by Microsoft can be seen as a great success during one of the slowest months for Xbox Live Arcade. March of this year was the best month during the first two quarters of any year." said Benjamin Schlichter, Director of Research & Analysis at FADE.

Signal Games' first entry on Xbox Live Arcade, "Toy Soldiers", was the victor of the Block Party, taking in the most revenue during the month with an estimated 209,000 copies sold at 1200 Microsoft Points (or $15.00 USD). Classic shooter "Perfect Dark" secured the second place spot with an estimated 161,000 copies sold during the month at 800 Microsoft Points (or $10.00 USD). "Trials HD" dropped to third place, selling an estimated 53,000 units during the month at 1200 Microsoft Points (or $15.00 USD). FADE estimates that "Trials HD" broke $10,000,000 in lifetime revenue during the month, making it only the third title to do so, behind The Behemoth's "Castle Crashers" and Electronic Arts' "Battlefield 1943".

FADE Top 10 Estimated for March 2010, by Revenue
• Toy Soliders by Signal Games - 209,000 units ($15.00 USD)
• Perfect Dark by 4J Games - 161,000 units ($10.00 USD)
• Trials HD by RedLynx, LTD - 53,000 units ($15.00 USD)
• Battlefield 1943 by EA Dice - 37,000 units ($15.00 USD)
• Castle Crashers by The Behemoth - 34,000 units ($15.00 USD)
• Family Game Night by Hasbro (all games) - 32,000 units ($10.00 USD)
• Scrap Metal by Slick Entertainment - 18,000 units ($15.00 USD)
• Marvel vs. Capcom by Capcom - 25,000 units ($10.00 USD, on sale)
• Shadow Complex by Chair Entertainment - 13,000 units ($15.00 USD)
• Magic: The Gathering by Stainless Entertainment - 16,000 units ($10.00 USD)

FADE maintains a comprehensive database on Xbox Live Arcade, with sales estimates from January 2008 to current. FADE offers a wide array of reports for Xbox Live Arcade for any given month, and offers volume discounts for large orders.