The mobile version of video game Call of Duty has hit a record download of more than 100 million in its first week despite a boycott aimed at the game’s publisher Activision Blizzard.
Blizzard had reportedly placed a 12-month ban on Hearthstone gamer who staged an online protest over the political crisis in Hong Kong.
The hashtag #Blizzardboycott is now trending on Twitter.
Boycotters included Mark Kern, a developer who has worked for Blizzard.
“It’s done,” tweeted Mr. Kern, with a screenshot suggesting he had just canceled his subscription to World of Warcraft.
One Reddit user wrote, “Unless/until they completely reverse their stance on this issue (which, unfortunately, doesn’t seem likely) they will get no more money from me.”
The latest title in the hugely popular Call of Duty franchise has been well received by gamers, according to download statistics from Sensor Tower.
The company said the game, which was released on 1 October, had enjoyed the biggest mobile launch yet.
A PC and console title, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is due to be released on 25 October.
Journalist Ian Miles Cheong tweeted he had previously pre-ordered the game but, having joined the boycott, had now requested a refund.
Activision Blizzard’s share price had fallen by 2.3% by the close of trading on Tuesday.
James Batchelor, UK Editor at GamesIndustry.biz said that the backlash was unlikely to cause serious commercial problems for Activision Blizzard.
In an interview with the BBC, James said, “It’s negative PR and that’s never great for a company but I can’t remember an instance where a consumer-led boycott has led to a significant drop in sales in the video games industry.
“These games have such a vast audience that I would almost say almost half don’t even know what’s happening… The vast majority of Call of Duty players are so casual, so mainstream.”
The controversy started when gamer Ng Wai Chung with the pseudonym Blitzchung was banned for 12 months by Blizzard. He had during a post-match interview on the official Hearthstone Taiwan video stream shouted: “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our age.”
Blizzard had reacted saying the tournament rules said players must not offend people or damage the company’s image.
