Publisher posts $1.4 billion in revenue thanks to record-setting CoD map pack, WoW subs.
We're beginning to see a pattern developing. Powered by Call of Duty map pack sales and World of Warcraft subscriptions, Activision Blizzard once again reported record results, announcing today first quarter revenues of $1.4 billion and a hefty $503 million profit.
For the quarter ending March 31, Activision said its results were better than expected, with digital sales providing a major boost, accounting for 30% of the publisher's total net revenues.
For the quarter ending March 31, Activision said its results were better than expected, with digital sales providing a major boost, accounting for 30% of the publisher's total net revenues.
"Our record first-quarter performance was driven by digital sales and the continued strength of Activision Publishing's Call of Duty and Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft franchises," CEO Bobby Kotick said in a statement. "Digital content continues to represent a significant portion of our revenues and increased by about $100 million year over year, enabling us to deliver record first-quarter operating margins and earnings per share."
The Call of Duty: Black Ops First Strike map pack broke Xbox Live launch records, Activision boasted, topping 1.4 million downloads in its first 24 hours on the digital shelves.
Based on the strong start to FY2011, Activision upped its outlook for the year to $4.05 billion, up from the previous $3.95 billion forecast.
And gamers should expect more of the same in the coming year as Activision Blizzard develops new content for World of Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo, as well as a "robust investment in forthcoming Call of Duty titles, including a microtransaction game for China."
As for the highly anticipated third installment in the Diablo franchise, Activision stated that Blizzard has not yet confirmed a launch date for its "next global release," and no new games from Blizzard are listed in the publisher's 2011 calendar release year.
However, during the investor conference call, Blizzard President Mike Morhaime said an external beta testing for Diablo III will begin sometime during the fall. No word yet on if it will be an open or closed beta.
It's also worth noting that, despite speculation, Activision did not use its earnings report or conference call to officially announce Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
Based on the strong start to FY2011, Activision upped its outlook for the year to $4.05 billion, up from the previous $3.95 billion forecast.
And gamers should expect more of the same in the coming year as Activision Blizzard develops new content for World of Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo, as well as a "robust investment in forthcoming Call of Duty titles, including a microtransaction game for China."
As for the highly anticipated third installment in the Diablo franchise, Activision stated that Blizzard has not yet confirmed a launch date for its "next global release," and no new games from Blizzard are listed in the publisher's 2011 calendar release year.
However, during the investor conference call, Blizzard President Mike Morhaime said an external beta testing for Diablo III will begin sometime during the fall. No word yet on if it will be an open or closed beta.
It's also worth noting that, despite speculation, Activision did not use its earnings report or conference call to officially announce Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
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