Blizzard's Diablo III sells 3.5 million in one day
PC release had 6.3 million players one week after launch
Blizzard's latest release, Diablo III, sold 3.5 million in the first 24 hours on sale, setting a new record for the fastest selling PC game, and boasted 6.3 million players after a single week.
Crucially those day one sales figures don't include those World Of Warcraft Annual Pass owners who got a copy for free. That bumps it up to 4.7 million gamers who had access to the game on the release day, May 15.
"We're definitely thrilled that so many people around the world were excited to pick up their copy of Diablo III and jump in the moment it went live," said CEO Mike Morhaime.
"We also regret that our preparations were not enough to ensure everyone had a seamless experience when they did so. I want to reaffirm our commitment to make sure the millions of Diablo III players out there have a great experience with the game moving forward, and I also want to thank them for their ongoing support."
A number of players struggled with login errors in the game's first week, turning "Error 37" into an internet meme.
"Regarding today's announcement, we recognise that setting a new launch record is a big achievement," he added.
"However, we're especially proud of the game play feedback we've received from players worldwide. We're pleased that Diablo III has lived up to players' high expectations, and we're looking forward to welcoming more players into Sanctuary in the days ahead."
Blizzard also added that the sales totals also omit players logging on in Korea's popular internet gaming rooms, where on May 22 the game had jumped to the top of the most-played chart and taken a 39 per cent share of players.
There were around 8000 midnight launches of the game around the world, including one on Oxford Street attended by GamesIndustry International, where players queued to get there hands on copies of the game. It was also available as a digital downland.
"Diablo III was one of our biggest PC launches ever and will help make this a record year for Blizzard at GameStop," revealed senior vice president of merchandising at GameStop John Love.
There was a similar sentiment from Amazon's director of video games, John Love.
"Not only did Diablo III break the record for most preordered PC game of all-time on Amazon.com, but it also shattered the record for best day-one sales for any PC game ever on Amazon.com."
The game will go on sale in Latin American territories and Russia on June 7.