Death, taxes, and change. These are the three constants in life. In the video game industry, a fourth constant exists in Call of Duty topping the annual sales charts. While many games compete to put up humongous sales numbers every year, Activision Blizzard appears to have figured out how to sell more than every other game every year despite controversies and criticism. But, it appears that Call of Duty’s years-long streak is about to end.
According to the sales figures from Circana (formerly NPD Group), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, this year’s much-maligned entry, is the second-best selling game of the year, surpassed only by Hogwarts Legacy.
This is a particularly noteworthy achievement given the mixed critical reception and challenges faced by the latest Call of Duty entry, which recently saw it become butt of the internet’s jokes following Christopher Judge’s remarks at this year’s The Game Awards.
November 2023 Top 20 Best-Selling Premium Games – U.S. (Dollar Sales, Excludes add-on content) pic.twitter.com/sskPh7JoGh
— Mat Piscatella (@MatPiscatella) December 13, 2023
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III launched amid a cloud of skepticism, with many critics and players expressing obvious dissatisfaction over its short campaign and perceived lack of innovation. The shooter’s Metacritic score reflected these sentiments, marking one of the lowest in the series. However, despite these challenges, the game’s sales performance has been remarkably robust, showcasing the enduring strength and appeal of the Call of Duty brand.
The game’s commercial success is a testament to the loyal fan base that the series has cultivated over the years. Many players continue to purchase Call of Duty titles annually, a trend that has become a ritual for a segment of the gaming community. This loyalty is particularly impressive considering the game’s launch period, which only spanned two weeks within the data collection timeframe, yet still managed to secure the second spot in sales for the entire year.
Here’s a rundown of other best-selling titles that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III outperformed in a short period:
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Diablo 4
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
This achievement highlights the game’s widespread appeal and the Call of Duty franchise’s significant market presence.
Interestingly, the game’s success did not translate to the most-played title, a position held by Fortnite, especially during its nostalgic return to the original map. Fortnite’s enduring popularity, driven by constant updates and new experiences such as LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Fortnite Festival, highlights the evolving nature of player engagement in the gaming industry.
The sales performance of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is a clear indicator of the franchise’s deep-rooted position in gaming culture. The brand’s ability to attract mainstream audiences, many of which aren’t avid followers of gaming news or critics’ reviews, speaks volumes about its market penetration and influence. This broad appeal is a significant factor in the game’s commercial success, illustrating that the Call of Duty series has transcended beyond the traditional gaming sphere.
MW3’s triumph in the face of adversity raises genuine concerns about the correlation between critical reception and its commercial success in the gaming industry. While poor reviews and a low Metacritic score might hinder some titles, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III demonstrates that a strong brand and loyal fan base can overcome these challenges, for better or for worse.
With still a few weeks to go before the year ends, it’s still possible that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III will end the year as the best-selling title, proving that guns and bombs win over magic spells and potions any day of the week.
