Activision: MWII sets new standard for entertaiment

Guess what? All the predictions about MWII becoming the biggest entertainment launch of all time came true. The final numbers are in and Activision declares that they're now the new record holders. Your turn GTAV.

"According to internal Activsion estimates," the game sold approximately 4.7 million units in the US and UK in 24hrs.

"The shattering of these entertainment records is a testament to the compelling, cinematic and uniquely engaging experience the Call of Duty Brand offers," Activision head Mike Griffith said.

"Modern Warfare 2 has taken interactive experience to unprecedented heights setting a new standard for entertainment."

Here's the PR:

Call of Duty(R): Modern Warfare(R) 2 Shatters Opening Day Sales Records With Approximately $310 Million in North America and United Kingdom Alone
Most Anticipated Game of the Year Becomes Biggest Entertainment Launch in History

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov 12, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that Infinity Ward’s much-anticipated Call of Duty(R):Modern Warfare(R) 2 has become the biggest launch in history across all forms of entertainment with estimated sell-through sales of $310 million in North America and the United Kingdom alone in the first 24 hours, according to internal Activision estimates.

Modern Warfare 2 was released on Tuesday, November 10th, to worldwide fanfare across the globe, including over 10,000 retail outlets in the U.S. alone which held midnight openings to meet consumer demand. In its first day, the blockbuster title sold through approximately 4.7 million copies in just North America and the United Kingdom, according to internal Activision estimates.

“The Call of Duty franchise has become a cultural phenomenon showing the power of video games as an entertainment medium,” said Mike Griffith, CEO, Activision Publishing, Inc. “The shattering of these entertainment records is a testament to the compelling, cinematic and uniquely engaging experience that the Call of Duty brand delivers. Modern Warfare 2 has taken interactive experience to unprecedented heights setting a new standard for entertainment.”

Modern Warfare 2 picks up following the historic events of Call of Duty(R) 4: Modern Warfare(R), the blockbuster title that remains the top selling first person action game in history. Modern Warfare 2 is rated “M” (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Language. For additional information about the game, visit www.modernwarfare2.com.

11/11/09 Ernice Gilbert

Modern Warfare 2 to sell 17-18 million copies in first year

Bobby Kotick says it will be the biggest entertainment launch of all time, others praise the first title for selling over 14 million units and reckons part 2 could usurp Wii Sports and become the best selling video game of all time. Now, another voice has been detected in the wild, this time claiming Modern Warfare 2 will sell about 17-18 million copies in one year. Yes, one year.

"Last year sold about 8 million in the Christmas quarter, I think most people think this will do 10-12," Michael Pachter said in the latest episode of GT's bonus round. It really depends on marketing, if they blitz the airways and we see ads on every basketball game, football game, college football game, every beauty pageant, maybe 14."

"And how many will it sell in a 12 month period? Maybe 17 or 18, but over 20 million that's just hard to do."

Pachter continued his predictions talking about penetration:

"If we penetrate 25% of 360 and PS3 owners, we're only talking about 12 million units, that's the problem. So for this thing to do more, its gotta have a better attach rate than GTA San Andreas did. It's likely, but double the attach rate? No way," the visionary concluded.

Since when selling 12 million copies of a game became a problem? Get the full vibe here.

10/26/09 Ernice Gilbert