11 November 2009

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Breaks UK Record

London, United Kingdom 11 November 2009 – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 did not fail to live up to the expectations as one of the most eagerly anticipated videogames releases of all time. Initial first day UK sales - November 10 - reveal that Modern Warfare 2 sold an estimated 1.23 million units, grossing around £47 million. According to figures just released by ELSPA/GfK-ChartTrack, this almost doubles the previous record held by Grand Theft Auto IV which sold an estimated 631,000 units, grossing £27.2 million on its first day of release (April 29, 2008).

Michael Rawlinson, Director General, Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA), said, “These first day sales figures are astonishing and clear evidence that videogames are now mainstream in the UK. 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. Parents can log on to www.askaboutgames.com for more advice and information relating to age ratings, sensible gaming and so on.”

- ENDS -

Contacts:

For all press enquiries, please contact the ELSPA press office on T: +44 (0)20 7300 6143 or E: press@elspa.com

About ELSPA

The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association represents all the major publishers of games in the UK. Founded in 1989 to establish a specific and collective identity for the country’s interactive leisure software industry, membership includes companies publishing and distributing leisure software in the UK. As a gateway to Europe, ELSPA works to protect, promote and provide for the interests of all its members as well as addressing issues that affect the industry as a whole, such as age ratings, child safety and IP protection.

ELSPA works with members and media to illustrate the beneficial contributions that the UK videogames industry makes to the British economy as well as its influence in other industries. In addition, ELSPA works with GfK Chart-Track to compile weekly, monthly and annual retail charts and sales reports for the UK market.

back