Sunday, November 23rd 2008
World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Shatters Day-1 Sales Record
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced that World of Warcraft's second expansion, Wrath of the Lich King, has sold more than 2.8 million copies in its first 24 hours of availability, making it the fastest-selling PC game of all time. This eclipses the previous record of nearly 2.4 million copies sold in 24 hours, set in January 2007 by Blizzard's first World of Warcraft expansion, The Burning Crusade. Wrath of the Lich King was simultaneously released in North America, Europe, Chile, Argentina, and Russia on November 13; Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand on November 14; and South Korea and the regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau on November 18.
In celebration of the launch, more than 15,000 stores throughout the world had their doors open at midnight to welcome thousands of expectant players. Several of these locations were attended by Blizzard Entertainment representatives, who met players and signed copies of the game.
"We're grateful for the incredible support that players around the world have continued to show for World of Warcraft," said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. "Wrath of the Lich King contains some of the best content we've created for the game so far, and we look forward to seeing even more players log in to experience it in the days ahead."
"After a single day of availability, Wrath of the Lich King is already the bestselling PC game of 2008 at GameStop and ranks as one of our top-selling products so far this year," said Bob McKenzie, GameStop's senior vice president of merchandising. "In keeping with the tradition established by their previous releases, Blizzard Entertainment has again created a product that not only reflects their high standards of quality but is clearly an instant hit with gamers around the country."
Prior to the launch of Wrath of the Lich King, World of Warcraft's subscriber population had grown to more than 11 million players, further strengthening its position as the world's most popular subscription-based massively multiplayer online role-playing game. More information about the new expansion can be found at the official Wrath of the Lich King website: www.worldofwarcraft.com/wrath.
Source:
Blizzard
In celebration of the launch, more than 15,000 stores throughout the world had their doors open at midnight to welcome thousands of expectant players. Several of these locations were attended by Blizzard Entertainment representatives, who met players and signed copies of the game.
"We're grateful for the incredible support that players around the world have continued to show for World of Warcraft," said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. "Wrath of the Lich King contains some of the best content we've created for the game so far, and we look forward to seeing even more players log in to experience it in the days ahead."
"After a single day of availability, Wrath of the Lich King is already the bestselling PC game of 2008 at GameStop and ranks as one of our top-selling products so far this year," said Bob McKenzie, GameStop's senior vice president of merchandising. "In keeping with the tradition established by their previous releases, Blizzard Entertainment has again created a product that not only reflects their high standards of quality but is clearly an instant hit with gamers around the country."
Prior to the launch of Wrath of the Lich King, World of Warcraft's subscriber population had grown to more than 11 million players, further strengthening its position as the world's most popular subscription-based massively multiplayer online role-playing game. More information about the new expansion can be found at the official Wrath of the Lich King website: www.worldofwarcraft.com/wrath.
38 Comments on World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Shatters Day-1 Sales Record
All stereotypes aside. To me, while it consumes a lot of time, WOW is the best MMO so far and I have tried plenty of others. If sales don't tell you how good the games is, I don't know what will...
I think its kinda sad for people to play a game 24/7 (but its their life, they can do what they want), but i think its even sadder when all people do is bash a game because they don't enjoy it:shadedshu
Anyway it is a pretty astounding record. I find it interesting how much fantasy related stuff has blown up recently. Harry Potter is the best selling book series of all time. LOTR: Return of the King was the only movie to even approach Titanic in worldwide gross, and now WOW is by far the biggest game in the world. There is a geek in most of the population it would seem. :)Yeah I couldn't wait to start it, and it took up all my gaming time for a few months, few games can do that. But the gameplay became over-repetitive for my taste, and the experience just wasn't very rewarding (I always just felt like I was trying to get to the next level or get the next loot, not enough for me). I may return one day, but I'll probably wait for another MMO.
For those who dis-like it, that is who you are. Everyone likes what they like. But, For all the Hater's out there, I'll be your Hater Hater....
But, we all have our voice, and we have to learn to respect that..
Edit: I forgot one MMO that is growing strong. Guild Wars.
You have for example FPS shooters where its almost all boys and men who play. The main objective is to run around killing and being hostile to each other mostly shouting owned and nub.
Then you have an MMO game where its a massive social network a lot of girls and women play the game forces communication and co-operation and interactivity between players and improves social skills.
I play both types of games i'm not trying to hate on FPS or anything just trying to make a point.
Oh and to keep on topic, Good job Blizzard in making a successful business model out of a game in these times of mass piracy and economic slowdown.