Guitar Hero III Acti's biggest launch ever

News - New GH already a record-breaker

Proof, if further proof were needed that Guitar Hero has grown into a bona-fide phenomenon this week, with Activision proclaiming that Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is their biggest launch ever - the Neversoft developed rhythm-action sequel taking over 100 million USD at US retailers in the seven days following its October 28th launch.

"It is, by far, the most successful launch in Activision history," enthused Activision CEO Bobby Kotick on the PS2, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii title, which is also in development for the PC and Mac. Such is Guitar Hero's importance, that the game's seven day-sales comprised a third of the company's entire earnings for the second fiscal quarter.

While revenues were up dramatically, thanks to Guitar Hero and friends, we're told that income was actually very low - Activision having splashed out on Project Gotham developer Bizarre Creations, which seems to have gobbled-up most of their would-be profits.

The launch of the new music game, coupled with Call of Duty 4's debut, is set to deliver Activision's first ever 1 billion USD quarter (covering the festive period). Acti also confirmed during the conference call that they will continue to work with Dreamworks and will make games for their next animation: Monsters versus Aliens.

More soon.