Modern Warfare 2 joins Avatar in the $1 billion USD club

by Stevie Smith - Jan 14 2010, 07:05

Modern Warfare 2 may have already secured the accolade of ‘fastest-selling videogame in history’, but the global retail momentum associated with Activision and Infinity Ward’s military shooter has now seen the game amass sales in excess of $1 billion USD (approx. 15 million units).

Putting that figure into perspective regarding the game’s appeal, Modern Warfare 2 only launched on November 10 of 2009, ringing checkouts to the tune of $310 million USD during its opening day at retail. The hugely anticipated action sequel then went on to build a staggering five-day tally of $550 million USD – duly eclipsing previous opening-week record holder Grand Theft Auto IV.

“There are only a handful of entertainment properties that have ever reached the $1 billion mark, which illustrates the power of the Call of Duty franchise and the mass appeal of this game,” trumpeted Activision Blizzard chief executive Bobby Kotick in an official statement.

While Modern Warfare 2 is likely to be compared with James Cameron’s theatrical release Avatar where 2009’s billion-dollar juggernauts are concerned, it remains to be seen whether the videogame industry as a whole will benefit from the game’s success.

More pointedly, year-on-year performance during the first 11 months of 2009 saw the industry hit by an 11 percent decline in software sales, and a drop of 12 percent in total revenue – covering software, hardware systems, and related accessories.

Industry tracker NPD is expected to release market figures for December and the whole of 2009 at some point today (January 14).

Around the Web