HMV bags Modern Warfare 2 - Prestige UK exclusive

GamesIndustry.biz can reveal that HMV has negotiated the exclusive UK rights to sell the premium edition of the hugely-anticipated shooter Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - the bundle which will famously include functional night vision goggles.

The game, which will be released on November 10, will see the Prestige Edition sell for GBP 119.99 on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 formats, with HMV's online pre-order option available now.

"This is a fantastic limited edition exclusive for hmv.com customers for what is, undoubtedly, the game of the year," said Jonathan Hayes, HMV commercial manager. "We're absolutely delighted that we can help make such a special premium product available to fans of the Modern Warfare franchise.

"We've been working very closely with Activision to make Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 one of the biggest entertainment events of all time. With this great exclusive and the upcoming launch we hope that everybody gets to play this brilliant game."

Modern Warfare 2 is widely-tipped to be the biggest entertainment launch of this year, and HMV is planning to arrange a number of in-store events to support the launch - with details available in due course.

"We've seen significant pre-order activity around this release and heightened interest in all things Modern Warfare 2 - both in-store and online, which supports our growing conviction that this will be one of the most eagerly anticipated releases ever," said Tim Ellis, head of games, previously told GamesIndustry.biz.

As well as the goggles, which are fully functional and allow the wearer to see in absolute darkness for up to 50 feet, the Prestige Edition will also include:

• A token which will allow the download to console of the original Call of Duty.
• An individually-numbered and engraved collector's bust, inspired by the Captain 'Soap' MacTavish's in-game model, which will hold the goggles when not in use.
• A premium, special-edition SteelBook case with custom artwork by Infinity Ward.
• A hardbound art book, Behind the Lines designed by the artists at Infinity Ward, featuring the art of Modern Warfare 2.

"We're really proud to be working with Activision and Infinity Ward to bring the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - Prestige Edition to the UK market," added the retailer's senior games buyer, Toby Burton. "This product will be exclusive to HMV and represents the pinnacle of gaming special editions.

"Modern Warfare is my favourite game of the last five years, so I'm ecstatic that we've secured this true gamer's edition for HMV. What more needs to be said than: 'Night Vision Goggles'?!"