Microsoft Predicts $100m for Halo 2
$100 million on day one, reckons Moore
While the official first-day sales figures aren't available yet, Microsoft is already speculating that its flaming-hot first-person shooter Halo 2 brought in around $100 million on its first day.
Speaking at the Harris Nesbitt Playtime 2004 Investor Conference in New York City, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President of Retail Sales and Marketing Peter Moore told attendees: "I'm calling a $100 million day on Halo today."
This sentiment was echoed by Microsoft President Bill Gates, who told shareholders: "In the first 24 hours we'll have an opening that's [more] popular than any motion picture has ever had in history."
With more than 1.5 million copies of Halo 2 spoken for before the game even arrived, the pre-order numbers account for approximately $78 million of the final take.
The release of Halo 2 was a resounding success for Microsoft and the game's developer Bungie.
More than 7,000 retailers in the United States opening up at midnight as hundreds of gamers lined up to take delivery of the long-anticipated title.
According to investment analysts, Halo 2 could sell as many as 10 million copies, which would make it one of the best performing videogames of all time.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
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