Xbox Addict

Modern Warfare 2 DLC Could Generate $140 Million

Broadpoint AmTech analyst Ben Schachter expects Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 downloadable content to generate in the region of $140 million next year.

Schachter released his forecast as Infinity Ward community manger Robert Bowling confirmed that the first DLC for the record breaking title will debut in spring 2010.

While just one downloadable map pack was released for 2007’s COD: Modern Warfare, 2008’s COD: World At War received three downloadable map packs. Those packs have sold over 7.5 million copies this calendar year at $9.99 a unit. Beyond direct accretive revenue generation, DLC also enables publisher’s to extend the shelf life of their titles and hold pricing longer.

At E3 this year Infinity Ward announced that Xbox 360 owners will get the first access to two downloadable Modern Warfare 2 map packs.

Earlier this week hackers found a number of secret Modern Warfare 2 gameplay modes hidden in the source code. ’Arena’, ’Global Thermal Nuclear War’, ’One Flag’ and ’VIP’ were all uncovered, three of which contained the phrase "fix after ship", suggesting they could eventually be released as DLC.

Schachter said in a research note issued to Industry Gamers: "Though the company has not announced anything, we would not be surprised to see the content expand significantly beyond simple map packs to include new missions, modes of play, and in-game items… The point is that Call Of Duty’s fan base will pay for additional content, and we expect ATVI’s Infinity Ward to monetise that throughout 2010.”

A potential Call Of Duty MMO or subscription-based service has also been making the news recently, with Activision Blizzard CFO Thomas Tippl saying: “You should expect us to test and ultimately launch additional online monetisation models of some of some of our biggest franchises like Call Of Duty".