Janco Partners analyst Mick Hickey has said that he expects Infinity Ward’s Modern Warfare 2 to generate $338 million in its first day on sale, and become the “largest videogame release of the year” with 11.1 million copies shifted by the end of 2009.
Speaking in an investors note, Hickey commented, “We believe Modern Warfare 2 will likely be the largest video game release for [calendar year] 2009.”
“For the Company’s fiscal Q409 period (Dec. ending), we anticipate the sell through to consumers of 11.1 million units for an estimated retail value of $803 million and sell-in approximating 12.4 million units, for an approximated sales value of $666 million (we assume demand is 90% of supply).”
“We estimate the combined Xbox 360 and PS3 installed base for US and Europe has grown +125% and +200%, respectively since Modern Warfare’s November ’07 release, ushering in a remarkably larger market opportunity for Modern Warfare 2.”
Modern Warfare 2 is due out on PlayStation 3, PC and Xbox 360 on November 10, 2009.