Modern Warfare 2 to sell 1.7 million in UK at launch

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

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.