14 DAY TRIAL // Activision has gathered the data from the launch of its Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 first person shooter and, for the third year running, has confirmed that it's set a new world record for the "biggest entertainment launch ever," managing to make more than $400 million in its first day, with more than 6.5 million units being sold in the U.S. and UK alone.
The Call of Duty franchise is no doubt the biggest games franchise out there, at least in terms of sales, but not a lot of people were expecting the release of Modern Warfare 3 to be this spectacular.
According to the company, the new Call of Duty title has set a new world record with its launch, breaking the previous ones set by its predecessors, 2009's Modern Warfare 2 or 2010's Black Ops.
According to data from Chart-Track and Activision, Modern Warfare 3 set a sell-through of $400 million units, with more than 6.5 million units sold in the U.S. and UK alone.
"We believe the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is the biggest entertainment launch of all time in any medium, and we achieved this record with sales from only two territories," said Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick.
"Other than Call of Duty, there has never been another entertainment franchise that has set opening day records three years in a row. Life-to-date sales for the Call of Duty franchise exceed worldwide theatrical box office for Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, two of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time."
Activision's Publishing boss, Eric Hirshberg, emphasized that the Call of Duty series delights longtime fans, but also draws in new gamers that have yet to experience the title, at least according to its growing sales figures.
"Call of Duty is more than a game," Hirshberg said. "It's become a major part of the pop cultural landscape. It is a game that core enthusiasts love, but that also consistently draws new people into the medium. It is the most intense, adrenaline pumping entertainment experience anywhere. I would like to thank our incredible teams at Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games for making a brilliant game. But most of all, I would like to thank our millions of passionate fans worldwide. We made this game for you."
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is now available on PC, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii.