'Call of Duty: Black Ops III' Release Date and News: Activision's New Game Rakes In $550 Million in Three Days

By Reuters
Call of Duty
Visitors queue to play the video game "Call Of Duty: Black Ops III" during the Gamescom fair in Cologne, Germany August 6, 2015. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Video game maker Activision Blizzard Inc said "Call of Duty: Black Ops III" generated more than $550 million in global sales in the first three days after its Friday release, setting the tone for the crucial holiday quarter.

On Sony's PlayStation 4 console, "Black Ops III" set a record as the best-selling digital game by units sold on its first day, Activision said on Wednesday.

The video game, a military first-person shooter like the earlier "Call of Duty" games, is set in a dystopian future in 2065, 40 years after the events of prequel "Black Ops II".

Activision has generated significant revenue from the "Black Ops" series, with sales of "Black Ops II" exceeding $500 million worldwide within the first 24 hours of its 2012 release.

The company launched a film and TV studio last week to create original content based on its popular franchises such as "Call of Duty" in its latest push to expand beyond console-based games.

Another much anticipated videogame this season, Microsoft Corp's "Halo 5: Guardians" raked in more than $400 million in sales globally in its first week after launching last month.

Other blockbuster videogames in the holiday quarter include Electronic Arts' "Star Wars: Battlefront" and action role-playing game "Fallout 4", published by Bethesda Softworks.

"Star Wars: Battlefront" is set to release next week, a month before Disney releases "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", the latest movie in the Star Wars franchise, while "Fallout 4", a videogame about charting through a nuclear wasteland, went on sale worldwide on Tuesday.

Activision's shares were little changed at $33.73 in morning trade.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo

Top Stories