MW2 kicks off with Leicester Square premiere

The industry was out in force for the launch of Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, as Activision celebrated the game’s release with a Leicester Square premiere.

The highly anticipated shooter took over the Vue cinema in London’s movie hotspot, with a camouflage carpet and costumed soldiers on hand to usher in a range of celebrities, including Eastenders’ Bill Murray and Craig Fairbrass, and Kevin McKidd – all of whom star in the game.

The premiere was hosted by TV personality Vernon Kay, who interviewed McKidd on the process of recording dialogue for the game, and Infinity Ward’s Chance Glasgow about how the developer has improved on the critically acclaimed Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.

Also among the attendees were Dom Joly and Goldie, who battled Glasgow in a ten-minute deathmatch demonstration along with competition winners from the public invited to the event.

A wide range of retailers and press were in attendance, from specialist and trade games journalists to more mainstream media, including the BBC, the Guardian and Rock FM.

The premiere was followed by a launch party at the University of Westminster’s P3 venue, where attendees were treated to drinks and music, with a surprise performance by Dizzee Rascal at midnight.

Throughout the party, a vast screen displayed a countdown building up to the launch of Modern Warfare 2.