Guinness World Records, the global authority on record-breaking, today confirmed that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Activision/Infinity Ward, 2009) became the most successful entertainment launch of all time when it released on November 10th, 2009. With verified one day sales totaling more than $401.6 million (£242.4 million) worldwide, the action-packed first-person shooter video game was the fastest selling entertainment product in its first 24 hours on sale, breaking the Guinness World Record previously set by the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV.
Shattering all entertainment launch records set by box office, book and album sales, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 blew past the record-setting video game launches of Grand Theft Auto IV, which grossed $310 million (£159 million) in its first day on sale in 2008, and the previous record-holder, Halo 3, which took in $170 million (£84 million) its first 24 hours on sale.
“Video game releases such as the Call of Duty series have outperformed the launches of major Hollywood blockbusters for several years and the day-one sales for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 proved once again that video games have become cultural events in their own right,” said Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition Editor, Gaz Deaves. “The fan movement and hype surrounding this game in the run-up to launch was almost unprecedented in scale; we acknowledged early on that the big question wasn’t if it would break all-time entertainment records, but rather by how much.”
“This achievement is a reflection of the support from our community of fans around the world,” said Creative Strategist, Robert Bowling from developer Infinity Ward. “The Call of Duty series and Modern Warfare have been our passion – we’ve dedicated our lives to giving our best, so it’s an honor to be recognized by setting a new standard among all entertainment properties.”
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is rated “M” by the ESRB for Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Language. The title is developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision Publishing, Inc. The first series of new multiplayer maps, the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Stimulus Package is now available on Xbox LIVE online entertainment network.
