Grand Theft Auto 5 and Modern Warfare 4 are two of the most anticipated video games of 2013, if not the top two on any given list. Therefore, we have to wonder, which one of these titans will come out on top in the sales department? We'll attempt to figure it out.
Year over year, Call of Duty games have been taking the top spot in the sales department with little competition. However, with the coming of Grand Theft Auto 5 on September 13, fortunes could change for Activision. Clearly since Grand Theft Auto 5 was announced back in 2011, the game has been a hot topic on gaming blogs and the tongues of gamers, more so than the unannounced Modern Warfare 4.
The reason behind the huge amount of fan anticipation of Grand Theft Auto 5 is due to the last game in the franchise hit store shelves 5 years ago back in 2008. That's a very long time to wait for the new GTA, hence the reason fans are feeling so overjoyed knowing the best ever free roam franchise is returning, and doing so in style.
So, what about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, you wonder. Well, the game hasn't been officially announced by Activision, but by following the company's track record, we are certain the game is coming in 2013 after the launch of GTA 5. Unless the world goes into a massive nuclear war or an unseen alien attack from space commences, this will happen.
Let's now take a look at which one of these games will come out on top and take the spot as top dog for 2013.
First off, Grand Theft Auto 5. The fan base here is huge, and not to mention that the franchise itself is far older when compared to Call of Duty. The last Grand Theft Auto title managed to hit the 25 million units sold mark, making it the most successful GTA game in history. Due to that, we are expecting GTA 5 to do slightly better than its predecessor, mainly due to the install base of current consoles have increased considerably since. If RockStar releases the game on next generation consoles, sales could hit the 30 million mark, but we'll have to wait and see if that choice will be made.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on the other hand has a massive following, one that has been growing year over year with no slowing down in sight. So far, every Call of Duty video game has managed to sell more units than the previous release. Therefore, we have no doubt Black Ops 2 will top Modern Warfare 3's 26.50 million units sold, but can Modern Warfare 4 follow suit?
Due to the high level of competition in multiplayer and the amount of tweens and teenagers who helped to create the massive Call of Duty ecosystem, we have reasons to believe Modern Warfare 4 will not only top Black Ops 2, but also Grand Theft Auto 5. Let's be real, Call of Duty has an addictive and enjoyable multiplayer experience. This is why gamers play, and why they will continue to play when Modern Warfare 4 comes out.
While GTA 5 has a huge fan base surrounding it, it's replay value is not on the same level of Modern Warfare 4, its online multiplayer is not the same level of fun, and more than importantly, it lacks that loyal Call of Duty fan base who will go out and purchase a game even if it is slightly different than its predecessor.
Furthermore, Activision would more than likely release Modern Warfare 4 on next generation consoles, which would no doubt boost its overall sales. So from my assumption, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 could easily surpass 35 million units sold, while GTA 5 will slightly surpass 25 million.
This article is based on facts and assumptions, so it could be incorrect, please keep that in mind.
