FIFA 13 sells 7.4m units, helps EA meet financial expectations

EA has reported revenue of $1.08bn for its most recent quarter, falling roughly in line with analyst expectations.

The numbers are slightly above the $1.03bn reported in the same period in 2011.

FIFA 13 was the star performer with total sales in the four weeks since launch of 7.4m units on consoles and PC, making it the strongest sports games launch in history. Madden sales were also up nine per cent year-on-year.

EA is performing well, once again beating street consensus in fiscal Q2,” CEO John Riccitiello stated. We delivered yet another quarter of sharp digital growth, with digital revenue up 40 per cent compared to the same period last year, reflecting our strength across multiple brands and channels.”

Digital sales were, as expected, very strong with revenues climbing 40 per cent year-on-year at $324m. And it’s not just platforms like iOS and Facebook that are performing (although day one FIFA iOS sales were up 62 per cent year-on-year) digital revenue in the traditional console sector is also skyrocketing.

Record numbers of players have engaged in the online features and content downloads for FIFA 13, Madden NFL 13, and Battlefield,” EA President Frank Gibeau added.

On the strength of our digital extensions, FIFA and Battlefield are the two biggest revenue events in our company’s history. Both are well on their way to becoming billion dollar annual franchises.”

In fact, all’s not rosy in the once golden casual and social sector. EA’s MAUs are down to 42m compared to the 101m they had hit last years. And that’s despite registered users climbing 110m year-on-year to 250m.

Expectations for the Christmas quarter came in at between $1.25bn-$1.35bn, ever so slightly below expectations.