There was a great deal of hype leading up to the launch of Modern Warfare 2, and according to initial first day UK sales figures, the hype seems to have lived up to expectations. Modern Warfare 2 sold an estimated 1.23 million units, grossing around £47 million (GBP), according to figured released today by ELSPA/GfK-ChartTrack.
“These first day sales figures are astonishing and clear evidence that videogames are now mainstream in the UK, said Michael Rawlinson, director general of Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA). “Our form of interactive entertainment has completely come of age. Just like some movies and books, this is specifically intended for an adult audience and accordingly has emotional, adult content.
“So, as an 18-rated videogame, it is important that this game is not played by children, and parents should be appropriately vigilant. We ask everyone to make sure they check the packaging of games to ensure they are suitable for their players, especially as we enter the festive season when videogames are one of the most popular gifts of the holiday.”
The previous first day sales record was held by Grand Theft Auto IV, which pushed an estimated 631,000 units, and grossing £27.2 million on its first day of release on April 29, 2008.