Earlier this week, Gamer Headlines ran a story on Activision’s claims that Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is the best-selling game of 2014 so far.
While that may indeed be true, according to the most recent NPD retail sales data, the Call of Duty franchise is steadily, albeit slowly continuing it’s decline that started with 2011’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
According to analyst Michael Olson, NPD’s November US retail sales for the latest game in the Call of Duty series were down by 27% as compared to 2013’s Call of Duty: Ghosts.
This data is especially disheartening given Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare‘s first week sales initially showing a year-to-year increase. However, now that the game has been out for a fair amount of time and sales data has been calculated, it appears that potential for a revenue profit this late in Q4 is nearly nil.
Read more details regarding the Call of Duty series’ gradual retail decline after the break.
Call of Duty Retail Sales Down 27% From 2013
Keep in mind that NPD US retail sales data does not include digital or international sales numbers – which would lessen the decrease in sales numbers. However, the Call of Duty franchise’s appeal to gamers seems to be waning, especially given the fact that Advanced Warfare‘s first month sales were just 49% of Modern Warfare 3‘s.
For the sake of comparison, 2014 marks the 3rd year that the Call of Duty franchise has seen its retail numbers decline. 2013’s Ghosts dropped by 19% as compared to 2012’s Black Ops II, which was down 17% from 2011’s Modern Warfare 3.
Aforementioned analyst Michael Oldson had initially set a $27 price target for Activison’s shares, subsequently lowering it to $24 upon discovery of NOD’s sales data for the publisher’s Call of Duty series. Not all is bad news for the prominent game publisher, due to the consistent performance of Blizzard’s Hearthstone and World of Warcraft titles.
Nevertheless, Advanced Warfare released to a critically positive reception overall, with Gamer Headlines saying the following in our review of the game:
“Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is another solid title in the series, providing a new, innovative ways to play. Something gamers have been waiting for since Black Ops. It provides a stellar cast of characters and a compelling, though predictable story. Regardless, Advanced Warfare is filled to the brim with action until the very last moment. It is undoubtedly one of the most unique titles of the franchise, and it deserves recognition.”
What are your thoughts on the Call of Duty series’ gradual, yet consistent decline in sales performance? In your opinion, what factors are playing into the franchise’s drop in retail sales numbers? Also, do you feel that they will bounce back over the next couple of years? Why or why not?
Let us know in the comments section below! As always, stay tuned to Gamer Headlines for the latest in video game and technology news.