You read it right. Everyone knew that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 would break records, but even we can’t help but be impressed with the numbers out of Activision this morning. Modern Warfare 2 grossed over $550 million worldwide (according to internal Activision estimates) in the first five days alone. Activision is branding it the largest entertainment launch in history.

 “In just five days of sell through Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has become the largest entertainment launch in history and a pop culture phenomenon,” said Robert Kotick, CEO, Activision Blizzard, Inc. “The title's success redefines entertainment as millions of consumers have chosen to play Modern Warfare 2 at unprecedented levels rather than engage in other forms of media.”

A list of entertainment asses that Modern Warfare 2 has kicked can be found below:

• The largest reported five-day opening worldwide box office gross figures, held by Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ($394 million)
• The largest reported five-day opening domestic box office gross figures, held by The Dark Knight ($203.8 million)
• The largest reported five-day worldwide video game sales record, previously held by Grand Theft Auto IV (6 million units, $500 million)
• The largest reported opening first-day domestic box office gross figures, held by The Dark Knight ($66.4 million)
• The largest reported first-day book sales in dollars, held by Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows ($220 million)
• The largest reported first-day worldwide video game sales record, previously held by Grand Theft Auto IV (3.6 million units, $310 million)

It’s worth keeping in mind, however, that movies and books are quite different forms of entertainment and so direct comparisons to video games can be misleading. With tickets to the theater costing $10 a pop, a family of six could go see a movie for the same purchase price of a single game. Activision’s numbers don’t necessarily reflect that more people are consuming their product than those listed above, just that the consumption has resulted in a higher gross income thanks to different revenue structures. Having fans willing to pay up to $150 for a limited edition of your game doesn’t hurt the numbers, either.
 
Still, a well deserved congratulation goes out to Activision and Infinity Ward for a massively successful launch.