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Saturday, November 14, 2009

'Call of Duty' has record debut

Activision's newest game sells 4.7 million copies.

 

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Call it a coup for Activision Blizzard ahead of the holiday shopping season.

The video-game maker sold 4.7 million copies of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" in the first 24 hours of its release in North America and the United Kingdom, the company said, bringing in $310 million and making the game the biggest-selling launch ever.

The game went on sale worldwide Tuesday, but the $310 million represents only sales in North America and Britain, so the overall total is likely even higher.

Shares of Activision were up 23 cents, or 2%, to $11.61.

Analysts forecast sales of 11 million to 13 million copies by the end of 2009. The game will likely be a bright spot for retailers who sell it, analysts said, even at $60 each.

Estimates for launch-day sales ranged from $300 million to $340 million.

The previous record for the biggest video-game launch was Take Two Interactive's "Grand Theft Auto IV," which sold 3.6 million units, or $310 million, on its first day of release in April 2008.

"Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" is the sixth installment in the franchise. The global gaming industry is estimated at $50 billion.

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