Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 has potential to be ‘biggest selling game of all time’

Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg believes Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 has the potential to be "the biggest selling game of all time."

Speaking to analysts and investors following the company's third quarter financial results, Hirshberg noted the "tremendous" buzz surrounding Black Ops 2 prior to its launch next week.

"YouTube views are nearly double those for Modern Warfare 3, Facebook engagement is up more than 150 per cent and the Black Ops 2 multiplayer reveal from GamesCom became the largest live stream event in Xbox Live's history," he said. "And the Nielsen's first choice survey, which measures both unaided awareness and purchase intent, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 tops the list and is at an all-time high for the franchise."

"Looking to the launch, we're working incredibly hard with all of our partners around the world to make Call of Duty the biggest entertainment launch of all time for the fourth consecutive year," Hirshberg added. Activision recently released a trailer for Black Ops 2 featuring some big-named stars including Robert Downey Jr.

"Pre-orders for Black Ops 2 continued to track ahead of Modern Warfare 3, which is no small feat given that MW3's was the most successful pre-order program of all time."

"There are always risks when trying to grow a brand that is already performing at record-setting levels," Hirshberg concluded. "So while we're optimistic, we're still planning prudently. We look forward to sharing details about our successes with you over the weeks ahead."

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is set to release next Tuesday, on November 13, 2012.