Activision profits triple as digital surpasses boxed

Call of Duty and World of Warcraft publisher Activision has reported a near tripling of profits for the quarter ending September 30th.

Total profit came in at $148m – that’s up on the $51m reported in the same period in 2010.

Sales also far exceeded expectations, coming in at $627m. Last year that figure stood at $558m.

But perhaps the most surprising statistic is that sales accounted for the bulk of the revenue for the period. 62 per cent, in fact. In Q3 2010 digital claimed just 42 per cent.

And although their sales are not included in this report, Activision is already optimistic about fortunes for the next quarter thanks in part to stronger than expected consumer response” to Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventures.

Oh, and then there’s the tiny matter of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.

"As we focus on 2012, we have a strong product pipeline which features a minimum of two highly-anticipated new titles from Blizzard Entertainment, includingDiablo III, and a newCall of Dutygame from Activision Publishing," CEO Bobby Kotick told investors.

"As a result, we expect to deliver another year of profitable growth. I believe our unyielding commitment to excellence and our creative talent around the globe will continue to position Activision Blizzard as the leader in interactive entertainment."