The head of Microsoft's Xbox division Phil Spencer (pictured) has said that the coronavirus pandemic and ensuing lockdown measures has lead to huge numbers of people coming to Xbox.

Speaking to Business Insider, the exec said that this was a bittersweet victory, given that the company is doing well due to a virus that is causing colossal damage around the world. Microsoft previously said that it had seen record numbers of users on Xbox Live, Game Pass and its Mixer streaming service.

"We track what we call 'new to Xbox customers,' — new to gaming customers — people that we're seeing for the first time," he said.

"And we're seeing a big flood of new people come in to gaming."

He continued: "You wouldn't wish this is the way we get here. We've talked [internally at Microsoft] about this. It's about, 'How do you feel that gaming is doing well at a time where the world is hurting?'"

Spencer concluded: "We want to be very thoughtful and not exploiting the situation. We're not putting in place any different business tactics or other things. We're just trying to keep all the services up, trying to keep the games enjoyable, keeping our networks safe and secure. And being there at a time of need. I'm proud that we can provide this activity for people."