• Loading stock data...
Friday, April 25, 2025

‘Modern Warfare II’ Sales Bright Side to Activision Blizzard’s Q3 Hit

  • “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II” was the fastest franchise game to reach $1 billion in worldwide sell-through.
  • Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard is facing antitrust scrutiny.
Activision-Blizzard
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY

Activision Blizzard reported $1.78 billion in third-quarter revenue, a decline from the $2.07 billion for the same period last year. 

The company posted net bookings of $1.83 billion, down from $1.88 billion in Q3 FY 2021, and ended the quarter with 368 million monthly active users.

Despite the declines, Activision Blizzard is already having a strong Q4.

On Monday, the company announced that “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II” crossed $1 billion in worldwide sell-through in the first 10 days from its Oct. 28 release — the fastest in franchise history.

  • The previous record of 15 days was held in 2012 by “Black Ops II.”
  • In the first three days following its release, “Modern Warfare II” topped $800 million in sell-through — the top-selling opening in franchise history.
  • “Modern Warfare II” has already logged more than 200 million hours played across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms, more than 40% above the prior franchise record.

Call of Duty will release “Warzone 2.0” on Nov. 16, with “Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile” planned for full release in 2023.

Microsoft’s Moves

Activision Blizzard is in the process of being acquired by Microsoft for $69 billion, but the New York Post reported over the weekend that the latter company could blow up the deal. 

Antitrust authorities in the U.S., U.K., and European Union are reviewing the proposed agreement — and Microsoft reportedly didn’t expect so much scrutiny.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

The Bold NFL Draft Approaches of Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders

The longtime college teammates are taking different professional approaches.

Fewer NFL Draft Prospects Will Be in Green Bay. Here’s Why

There will be 15 NFL Draft prospects in Green Bay.

Comcast Leans On Sports As Revenue Slides and Cord-Cutting Grows

NBC Sports’ rights portfolio remains a company bedrock.
FuboTV signage

Disney’s Fubo Takeover Now Faces DOJ Antitrust Review

The deal struck by the ESPN parent company could be in jeopardy.

Featured Today

Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.

Cooper Flagg’s Timing Is Perfect for the NBA and USA Basketball

The projected No. 1 pick just declared for the draft.
Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers is interviewed by ESPN after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards
April 21, 2025

ESPN’s WNBA Coverage Mirrors the League’s Stunning Growth

“I don’t think we stand still in our coverage of women’s sports,” says Rowe.
Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with guard Isaiah Joe (11) after score in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
April 20, 2025

Unorthodox OKC: The Thunder Redefined Tanking to Become NBA’s Best

A rebuild years in the making has OKC in the driver’s seat.
Mar 13, 2020; Augusta, GA, USA; The front entrance at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday morning. The Masters Tournament has been postponed due to coronavirus concerns.
opinion
April 20, 2025

What’s It Like to Play Augusta? A Day on the World’s Most..

Inside a round at the most exclusive club in the world.

FanDuel Retains Sports Betting Crown With $14B in 2024 Revenue

The FanDuel parent company posts big increases in revenue and net income.
DraftKings app
February 14, 2025

Lawsuit Says DraftKings VIP Program ‘Preyed On’ Gambling Addicts

The company’s being sued for negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
February 20, 2025

Americans Bet $148 Billion on Sports in 2024, Up 23.6%

Both overall handle and revenue rose by more than 20% last year.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

This week, Two-time Super Bowl Champion and CBS NFL analyst Logan Ryan joins us to talk the business of sports on our third installment of Portfolio Players.
August 20, 2024

Beloved ‘Backyard Sports’ Brand Says It Will Relaunch After Decade Hiatus

“Backyard Baseball” was a turn-of-the-century computer hit. 
DraftKings
August 2, 2024

DraftKings Announces Consumer Tax Starting Next Year

The company’s stock fell 5% Friday morning.
July 24, 2024

The Perfect Storm Propelling ‘EA Sports College Football’ to Early Success

Growing fandom and a long wait have already reaped dividends for EA.
July 20, 2024

The Road to the Return of ‘EA Sports College Football’

This summer, the biggest development in college sports is virtual.