We've been able to have a look at internal documents that detail how well Microsoft's new Clubs feature is doing on Xbox Live.

Microsoft introduced Clubs in 2016 as part of the console's big Summer update, allowing users to create unique spaces based around any game or any topic. Now with the Xbox branch of the Windows 10 Creators Update, Club owners can endow their pages with custom branding and backgrounds, giving them a stronger presence. Private documents for Xbox developers and partners have given us a glimpse at the future of Xbox Clubs, which include third-party API access (as we've previously reported, but can now confirm!) and some other new features.

The Stats Microsoft touted the adoption of Clubs, which already enjoys 5 million active users across 33,000 active groups, based on all sorts of subjects. Microsoft emphasized that Clubs are being created not just for games, but also topics, including LGBT and Anime. Best VPN providers 2020: Learn about ExpressVPN, NordVPN & more

Microsoft analysed two months of data from separate groups of Club-using and non-Club-using Xbox Live users, and found that users who had joined a Club sent more messages, made more friends, and connected to Live more frequently than those that didn't. Club usage increases Xbox Live engagement upwards of 40% per player on average, which, of course, in turn leads to more spending on Xbox Live. It certainly seems within developer's and publisher's interests to give Clubs a serious look in, particularly when you consider just how powerful they will be when placed inside games in the future. In-Game Clubs Soon, developers will be able to leverage the Xbox Live Club's API to build clan infrastructure directly into the games. The idea is to gives players the ability to remain engaged across mobile apps and the web, even when away from their consoles or PC. For gamers, it'll mean that we can manage scheduled playdates, in-game invites and parties anywhere, at any time.