Latest expansion for Blizzard Entertainment's massively multiplayer
online role-playing game continues record-setting sales pace
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced that World of Warcraft®:
Cataclysm™, the third expansion for the critically acclaimed
massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), has sold
through more than 4.7 million copies as of its first month of release,
setting a new record for monthly PC-game sales.*
World of Warcraft: Cataclysm was simultaneously released in the
United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Europe, Russia,
Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand on December 7, and became
available in Korea and the regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau on
December 9. With day-one sales topping 3.3 million copies,*World
of Warcraft: Cataclysm became the fastest-selling PC game of all
time, shattering the previous record, which was held by the second World
of Warcraft expansion, Wrath of the Lich King®.
"We created thousands of new quests, introduced new lands to explore,
and extensively revamped the game world for World of Warcraft:
Cataclysm, making it our biggest and most ambitious expansion yet,"
said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment.
"We've been floored by the community's response so far, and we'd like to
thank them for their continued passion and support for World of
Warcraft, and for helping Cataclysm reach this incredible
milestone."
Prior to the launch of Cataclysm, World of Warcraft's
subscriber population had grown to more than 12 million players
globally, further strengthening the game's position as the world's most
popular subscription-based MMORPG. More information about the new
expansion can be found at the official World of Warcraft: Cataclysm
website: http://www.blizzard.com/games/cataclysm/.
To keep pace with the continued growth of World of Warcraft as
well as development on other Blizzard Entertainment® games,
the company is currently hiring for numerous open positions. More
information on career opportunities available at Blizzard Entertainment
can be found at http://www.blizzard.com/jobs.
*Based on internal company records and reports from
key distribution partners. Includes digital distribution.
About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft®
and the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo®
series, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com),
a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a premier developer
and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of
the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment's
track record includes thirteen #1-selling games and multiple Game of the
Year awards. The company's online-gaming service, Battle.net®,
is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active players.
World of Warcraft's Subscriber Definition
World of Warcraft® subscribers include individuals who
have paid a subscription fee or have an active prepaid card to play World
of Warcraft, as well as those who have purchased the game and are
within their free month of access. Internet Game Room players who have
accessed the game over the last thirty days are also counted as
subscribers. The above definition excludes all players under free
promotional subscriptions, expired or cancelled subscriptions, and
expired prepaid cards. Subscribers in licensees' territories are defined
along the same rules.
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Lisa Jensen
Vice President,
Global Public Relations
949.854.6200 dir
949.854.7900 fax
ljensen@blizzard.com
or
Rob
Hilburger
PR Director
949.242.8404 dir
949.854.7900 fax
rhilburger@blizzard.com
or
Shon
Damron
PR Manager
949.955.1380 x12508 dir
949.854.7900 fax
sdamron@blizzard.com
Source: Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
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