Activision’s Call of Duty franchise has posted sales well in excess of $11 billion since its launch in 2003. But it could be poised for its biggest jump yet this year.
Call of Duty: Mobile, a fully fledged mobile version of the hit action game, will launch on iOS and Android devices on Oct. 1 in most of the world. Featuring maps and characters from across the game’s history (including the Modern Warfare and Black Ops subseries), it will feature head-to-head multiplayer modes and a battle royale option, which will target the Fortnite and PUBG fanbase.
The game is being created in conjunction with China’s Tencent.
It’s a free-to-play title, meaning avid fans will be encouraged to pay for in-game upgrades.
Activision has held off on making a mobile version of Call of Duty for years. Analysts, though, say it has huge potential. Morgan Stanley, earlier this year, said even $500 million in mobile revenue could increase the company’s estimated 2020 earnings per share by 9%.
Mobile games are the largest segment of the video game space, bringing in $85 billion last year, according to Morgan Stanley. And that’s projected to grow 11% between now and 2021.
The latest Call of Duty console game – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare – was released on Sept. 12.
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