Activision digital revenue hits $1.3bn

Activision has called itself the leader in online and digital games – raking in around $1.3bn in digital revenue last year.

The announcements was made by CEO Bobby Kotick during the firm’s post-fiscal conference call.

Activision defines the digital and online market as subscription, digital game download, DLC, value-added services and mobile.

The firm also said it expects to increase its digital revenue by 20 per cent in 2010, driven by World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, Modern Warfare 2 DLC, StarCraft II and iPhone games.

"Our focus on and investment into the categories with the highest tangible opportunity have made us the leader in the digital and online sectors," said Kotick.

"In 2009, we generated the most digital revenue in our industry, approximately $1.3 billion. And we expect further expansion in 2010.

"This year, our digital growth will come from across our portfolio. First, we plan to launch some of the most incredibly compelling downloadable content for a number of our key titles. For World of Warcraft, we expect to launch the next expansion pack, Cataclysm and continue to grow our player base around the world.

And finally, our much anticipated release of StarCraft II, which will also be available for download on the new battle.net site. And that illustrates how we’re building significant digital capabilities and that we expect these to present new and unique opportunities for game play.

"We plan to continue selectively expanding our brands into other digital segments like the iPhone as we did with Call of Duty, and will do with other brands like Guitar Hero. However, today these opportunities are better utilized as a means to connect and impact with and empower our community and extend the brand and less about financial scale or huge financial return."