Set to smash the previous record set by Grand Theft Auto IV.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 screenshot

This week's issue of MCV reports that sources close to some of Activision's rival publishers are predicting opening week sales of 1.7 million units for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

This figure has been estimated based massive pre-release anticipation for the title which includes 500,000 pre-orders at retail.

Should the sales predictions come true, Modern Warfare 2 will smash Grand Theft Auto IV's record as the most lucrative entertainment launch of all time in the UK. According to ChartTrack, GTA 4 sold 926,000 units during its first five days on sale, equating to £40 million at retail.

Based on the predicted 1.7 million unit sales for Modern Warfare 2 and assuming an average £40 price point for each unit sold, the game could rack up a monstrous £64 million.

Activision marketing director for the UK and Ireland David Tyler told MCV: "The level of pre-order success we are experiencing here in the UK sets us on the trajectory to be the largest video game launch in history."

Tyler added: "The industry has a multitude of titles which attract a good level of buzz pre-launch. However, Modern Warfare 2 is something unprecedented even in our marketplace."

Modern Warfare 2 is scheduled for release on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on November 10.