Halo 3 Breaks Sales Records

Microsoft today announced that Halo 3 has become the biggest entertainment launch in history, garnering an estimated $228 million (US$170 million) in sales in the US alone in the first 24 hours. The Xbox 360 title beat previous records set by blockbuster movie releases such as Spider-Man 3 and novels such as Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows.

Kiwi gamers have also demonstrated their love of the Halo franchise by purchasing the game in their thousands in what is believed to be the biggest launch in New Zealand gaming history.

More than 10,000 copies of Halo 3 (including some 8,200 pre-orders) were sold in New Zealand on the first day of release, equating to more than $1 million.

The Warehouse Limited reported Halo 3 to be the biggest gaming launch in its 25-year history. The Harvey Norman chain experienced record pre-sale results, and Dick Smith Electronics reported their pre-order sales were triple that of the game's phenomenally successful predecessor Halo 2.

Microsoft New Zealand Entertainment and Devices business director Frazer Scott says, "New Zealand was the first country in the world to receive Halo 3 when it was launched worldwide at 12.01am on Tuesday 25 September."

“Retailers across the country opened their doors at midnight to meet demand from fans – gamers were not going to risk missing out on Halo 3 and wanted to get their hands on it as soon as it hit the shelves.”

Debby Stewart, buyer for Dick Smith Electronics, says, "We’ve never seen anything like it. Our day-one stocks were nearly completely sold out, and Halo 3 has broken DSE day-one launch records for any gaming title."

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