Home Gaming Activision making its Destiny money back already?

Activision making its Destiny money back already?

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DestinyCash

According to many, Activision has spent – or indeed will spend – half a billion Dollars on the development, production and marketing of Bungie’s latest game, Destiny.  That’s a heck of a lot of money to pour in to a video game. Activision’s quite bullish about it though, expressing that they have faith in the product. It may be well founded faith; according to a delightful press release we received yesterday, Activision has already sold-in more than $500 000 000 worth of Destiny stock.

“Based on extraordinary audience demand, retail and first party orders worldwide have exceeded $500 million for Destiny,” said Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard in the press release, and copied and pasted here for your eyeballs.

“This industry milestone marks another blockbuster success for our company and demonstrates our unique ability to create some of the most successful entertainment franchises in the world.  The success of Destiny, along with the recent introduction of Blizzard Entertainment’s Hearthstone, is further validation of our unique capabilities to create great entertainment franchises from the ground up.”

Wording, of course, matters – and what this all means is that Activision has shipped not sold $500 million’s worth of Destiny stock. Of course, that’s net sales and not profit – so Activision hasn’t quite made a return on its investment yet – but as far as Activision and it’s accountants go, the investment was worth it.

“Since the beginning, we’ve been confident that our investment and belief in Destiny would pay off. But not many people believed we’d be able to say it did so on day one,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing.

“Destiny is officially the biggest new franchise launch in our industry’s history. It’s also the highest-selling day one digital console release in history. We have more confidence than ever that Destiny will become one of the iconic franchises of this generation, and Activision’s next billion dollar brand. Most importantly, it’s just a great game which we can’t stop playing. A big thanks to our incredibly talented team and partners who helped make this happen, most importantly, our partners at Bungie.”

Of course, Destiny is a long-term project, and Bungie’s locked in to a 10 year deal with Activision to keep pumping out content and games set within its universe. Maybe one of them will be good at telling a story.

Last Updated: September 11, 2014

111 Comments

  1. Hammersteyn

    September 11, 2014 at 07:52

    Can I get a refund somehow? I mean I’ve tried everything except changing my ISP and I’m still getting a centipede error!!!

    Reply

    • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

      September 11, 2014 at 07:56

      Assuming you’ve tried this?
      http://www.bungie.net/en/Help/Article/11875

      Out of interest; what ISP are you using? Is it the sort of shared connection found in residential estates, or mobile?

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        September 11, 2014 at 08:03

        I am using MWEB uncapped ADSL with a Technicolor router. Ive assigned a static IP address on my PS4 and I assigned port forwarding in my router to my PS4 ports 80, 443, 1935, 3478-3480. Other than that Bungie says I should keep on trying. I restarted my router several times as well as my PS4 and even phoned MWEB for assistance (hahaha) I did however delete the game and downloaded a new copy which should be done by tonight.

        Reply

        • Mielies the Magnificent

          September 11, 2014 at 08:09

          Tried all of that as well. No longer get Centipede, but other animalistic errors such as Bee, Lion, Lionfish etc. Got some awesome help here from the comments on LG yesterday to sort out my NAT type on PS4 to type 2. Still get connectivity issues unfortunately. Seems to only happen in peak times, so could be server side. Oh, and Im on mobile (Vodacom)

          Reply

          • Hammersteyn

            September 11, 2014 at 08:17

            What’s up with animal names anyways? Are they trying to be cute?

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            September 11, 2014 at 08:24

            They probably didn’t want a whole bunch of maths jokes involving 37s.

          • Hammersteyn

            September 11, 2014 at 08:26

            I can make animal farm jokes if they like

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            September 11, 2014 at 08:39

            Okay I give up. I’ve been trying for a few minutes to make a 1952/37 connection. The closest I can get to it is 36.

          • Mielies the Magnificent

            September 11, 2014 at 13:25

            All connections are equal. But some connections are more equal than others…

        • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

          September 11, 2014 at 08:19

          Also open up these ports:7500-17899 (TCP)
          30000-40399 (TCP)
          35000-35099 (UDP)

          Reply

          • Hammersteyn

            September 11, 2014 at 08:24

            O_O that’s a wide range. Will try tonight thanks Geoff

          • WarframedSquirrel

            September 11, 2014 at 08:39

            Yeah, I don’t like having that many ports open either O_O

        • Jonah Cash

          September 11, 2014 at 08:24

          Dude that sucks!!! Can you get into your router setup on your PC? Is there no DMZ there somewhere!! But it doesn’t really sound to me like your router is the problem, you played the Beta without any problems on the same setup?
          I think re-downloading will sort it for you, I really hope you come right bud!!

          Reply

          • Hammersteyn

            September 11, 2014 at 08:25

            I did have minor connections issues on the Beta but not nearly as bad as this.

          • Jonah Cash

            September 11, 2014 at 08:40

            Dude I am so sorry!! I would be going mad if I were you!! Hope you get it right!!

          • Mielies the Magnificent

            September 11, 2014 at 08:26

            So should I open the ports even if my ps4’s IP is in the DMZ?

          • Jonah Cash

            September 11, 2014 at 08:39

            Nope if you put in the DMZ it opens up the connection to your PS4 completely!! But also it makes you vulnerable to hackers!! It just by passes all the firewalls…. But there is nothing to hack on my PS4 so I don’t mind!!

          • Mielies the Magnificent

            September 11, 2014 at 08:42

            Shot thanks. Same here. Nothing on my ps worth hacking so I dont mind. But then I really dont know what to do anymore. Really really REALLY trying my utmost to like this game.

          • Jonah Cash

            September 11, 2014 at 08:46

            I hear you, one needs to be able to play the game to like it and you paid to play so that would make me crack!!
            Good luck man!!!

          • Hammersteyn

            September 11, 2014 at 08:51

            Ive not messed around with routers much(on account the work the why they fucking should) but I did find a way to assign a public IP, could this be the same as DMZ?

          • Jonah Cash

            September 11, 2014 at 08:54

            Don’t think it is the same…. But also not that technical with routers!! Just had to fix mine for Fifa a few years back and had to scour the internet for solutions!! I had to learn the hard way!!
            I bought a Belkin, purely because it had the DMZ option which was easy to find!! I tried port forwarding but it never solved my problem with the standard router I got from Telkom…

          • Mielies the Magnificent

            September 11, 2014 at 09:14

            As Ive read a LOT about the topic, all the router changes is in order to change the NAT type to 2. But you said that you already have that. So in that regard its already mission accomplished and not much more you can do. I’m going to try a firmware update on the router tonight, will post the result if it works.

          • Hammersteyn

            September 11, 2014 at 09:35

            Thanks 😀

        • Ryanza

          September 11, 2014 at 08:30

          Ok. I have to ask. Seeing as you with Mweb uncapped. And downloading the game now twice. Are you sure you not shapped or throttled by Mweb? Because if you are throttled and shapped by Mweb, it would explain why you can’t connect.

          Reply

          • Hammersteyn

            September 11, 2014 at 08:32

            I spoke with them last night, they assured me they aren’t throttling me, will phone them again after I open up the additional ports Geoff mentioned

          • Sageville

            September 11, 2014 at 10:08

            Aw man, that sucks donkey balls, I hope you get it sorted stat!

          • JuJu

            September 11, 2014 at 10:11

            Msg Mweb Gamezone! Ask them to sort dat shit out, Im sure they are jolling on mweb lines in their gaming cave!

          • Hammersteyn

            September 11, 2014 at 11:59

            Will try thanks

        • WarframedSquirrel

          September 11, 2014 at 08:42

          Have you tried a different router? I’ve never actually seen a Technicolor router, but have had experiences where people have issues with some makes of router.

          Billion and Netgear still has some of the better (read: Easier to setup) port forwarding and DMZ options.

          Reply

          • Hammersteyn

            September 11, 2014 at 08:49

            Will need to buy another one first

        • Rinceable

          September 11, 2014 at 09:59

          Hope so bro!

          Reply

        • Sageville

          September 11, 2014 at 13:58

          You can always put your PS4 into a DMZ, then you can at least determine if port forwarding will work or not,

          You can phone Telkom and ask them to reset your session/port.

          Reply

          • Hammersteyn

            September 11, 2014 at 14:00

            I don’t think my router is able to do that

          • Sageville

            September 12, 2014 at 12:26

            Hey, I saw u on Destiny last night, dos that mean you got rid of pesky centipede issue?

          • Hammersteyn

            September 12, 2014 at 12:30

            Yup, but know I get the other “pokemon” errors now and then, I am up to level 7 so I will try to catch up to everyone as fast as I can.

      • Hammersteyn

        September 11, 2014 at 08:05

        Also I do have a NAT 2 network connection which is apparently important

        Reply

        • Sageville

          September 11, 2014 at 10:21

          Well, NAT 2 means that your ISP is not blocking any ports on their side.

          So you having NAT 2 is a good thing.

          Weird that you are getting connection issues.

          I have a spare billion router if you are in JHB and want to try something else.

          Reply

          • Hammersteyn

            September 11, 2014 at 11:59

            I think I have a spare one at home some where, setting it up though will be a pain

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      September 11, 2014 at 08:09

      Please don’t hate me for this, but…

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        September 11, 2014 at 08:14

        Actually yes 😛

        Reply

    • Nikola

      September 11, 2014 at 08:15

      First day I played had 0 issue eveyrthing worked great than next day I could not play kept on getting disconnected(centerpiede error), So I assign my ps4 static IP and did that whole thing and got a NAT type2 network and after that no issue’s other than my shitty router kept on reseting the wireless connection piece of garbage D-Link!

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        September 11, 2014 at 08:17

        Did the same. Still no luck 🙁

        Reply

        • Viking Of Science

          September 11, 2014 at 08:28

          Have you guys tried a hardline connection? I’ve found it to be more stable than Wifi with Other online games.

          Reply

          • Hammersteyn

            September 11, 2014 at 08:29

            Got a LAN cable running to my router.

    • Ryanza

      September 11, 2014 at 08:22

      You are entering a world of pain when you mess with online DRM.
      The error is called centipede, which means that you are in the line waiting for space on the server while eating DRM shit.

      Then I played Diablo 3 at night it there were 2 options, can’t log in or play with extreme lag. Only time I could connect properly was like at 4am.

      So just give it a few days. Try connecting in the morning and don’t turn it off again.

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        September 11, 2014 at 08:24

        LOL I’ll start playing at three in the morning

        Reply

      • Xcalibersa

        September 11, 2014 at 08:29

        Been playing D3 since it launch. Never had a problem. Might have lag with 4 people, but thats it.

        Reply

        • Ryanza

          September 11, 2014 at 08:33

          Unless D3 has an offline mode. There will always be lag. Only different degrees of lag. But lag non the less. You won’t find zero lag playing D3 from South Africa, unless there is a SA server.

          Reply

          • Xcalibersa

            September 11, 2014 at 08:36

            Sorry, maybe Im wrong, but it does play offline? I have at least. Yes lag might be there, but never not being able to log in or making the game unplayable.

          • WarframedSquirrel

            September 11, 2014 at 08:45

            You’re unable to play D3 offline… it’s not an option.

            SP and co-op is all online.

            I sometimes get lag when it’s just me… other days no lag at all with 3 people in group. I stopped playing for 2 months because it was unplayable on SP while getting latency of 800-3000ms (the 800 was in town, in Cain’s house)

          • Xcalibersa

            September 11, 2014 at 08:54

            The console versions are?

          • WarframedSquirrel

            September 11, 2014 at 08:59

            I play it on PC… but a quick search confirms that you can play offline on all Console versions… which I find rather unfair… f’ing Blizzard.

          • Xcalibersa

            September 11, 2014 at 09:03

            That sucks

          • Ryanza

            September 11, 2014 at 08:59

            console versions does have an offline mode. but i was referring to the pc version of having to connect to servers on launch day and playing with high pings on a sp game.

          • Xcalibersa

            September 11, 2014 at 09:03

            Yep, mixed up versions

          • JuJu

            September 11, 2014 at 09:59

            You can play the console version offline. My line is usually terrible at home anything between 1mb and 2mb with high noise levels and can honestly say Ive had little to no issues with D3 and absolutely nothing with Destiny. So Ryan I think you have some other issues there.

          • Ryanza

            September 11, 2014 at 10:44

            I am talking about when D3 was launched on PC.
            Don’t try to imply that there was a problem with my internet line. Don’t even think that there was a problem with my router or PC.
            We all know that the problem was having a single player game that needed a constant connection to a server and that those servers were overloaded on launch day.

            Being in South Africa means that the ping to most of these servers, at best, will be around 200ms. 200ms is still lag and not on for a single player game. D3 launch and for weeks till the server loads where sorted out, pings were well over 1000ms.

            Oh but you say it’s my internet line. So when every1 on the EU server goes to sleep and suddenly my internet line is amazing with 200ms again from over a 1000ms just hours before.

            I doubt there are servers in RSA for Destiny. So around 200ms is the best that South Africans are looking at. You might feel that the lag is ok but it’s still lag.

          • JuJu

            September 11, 2014 at 11:16

            Havn’t had lag on Destiny (Co-op) Ryan. No need to be so serious I was simply questioning whether there may be another issue at play but hey take it as you will. We all know the issues D3 had at launch, I just seem to have had very little issue on my line which is seriously sub par , maybe I’m just lucky…. Anyhoooo

    • KingKappie

      September 11, 2014 at 08:22

      Have you tried switching it off and on again?

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        September 11, 2014 at 08:23

        No

        Reply

    • Xcalibersa

      September 11, 2014 at 08:36

      Leave Mweb?

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        September 11, 2014 at 08:39

        Maybe, who are you with?

        Reply

        • Xcalibersa

          September 11, 2014 at 08:42

          Using Afrihost mobile since do not have Telkom infrastructure in area. (yet?)

          R500 – 20gigs

          Download 16mbs
          Upload 3 mbs

          Average

          Reply

          • Jonah Cash

            September 11, 2014 at 08:44

            Holy shit that is good!!! I am with Telkom and have a 4mb line that maybe gets to 3mbs download and never above 400kbs upload!!!
            *Runs to go and have a look at Afrihost website again….

          • Xcalibersa

            September 11, 2014 at 08:56

            Old pic

          • WarframedSquirrel

            September 11, 2014 at 09:09

            I have a 2mb line, and tend to get an average of 200-250kbps… used to have a 4mb line at my old place and got average 400-420kbps there. Fastest I ever got was 1.2mbps on that 4mb line… had a download average 750kbps for about 3 hours at one stage… but those were anomalies to the norm.

            @xcalibersa:disqus probably has a good mobile signal on H+. I know I get 14-21mbps through my phone on H+.

          • Sageville

            September 11, 2014 at 10:14

            Yeah but the 20 gig for R500 drops down to only 10 gigs come december.

        • Jonah Cash

          September 11, 2014 at 08:43

          I am with Telkom, it is just easier to phone them to fix something rather than phone Afrihost/Mweb, who in turn have to phone Telkom in any case!!
          As much as I hate Telkom, their service levels have gone up with 200% over the last 6 months!! Their call center doesn’t take an hour to answer and their people are helpful most of the time…. Very weird, feels like I am in a twilight zone 🙂

          Reply

          • Xcalibersa

            September 11, 2014 at 08:47

            Try getting them to install new lines 🙁 . Told me they are not interested.

          • Jonah Cash

            September 11, 2014 at 08:48

            Try to get them to upgrade your area’s line so you can get more than a 4mb line… Told me we aren’t even in the plans 🙂 hahahahaha

          • Hammersteyn

            September 11, 2014 at 09:07

            O_o Telkom does something right? You must be pulling my leg

          • WarframedSquirrel

            September 11, 2014 at 09:12

            You’d be surprised… I can log a fault on a Saturday night and they’ll call me at 8:05am from the exchange to confirm if my issue has been cleared from the work they’ve been doing for the last hour.

            I’ve been quite impressed with the service I’ve been getting of late.

          • Anon A Mouse

            September 11, 2014 at 09:28

            Must say I was pleasantly surprised with Telkom. The other day the ADSL line at my friend’s house went down after still working in the morning. Did an online fault report and the dude was there the next morning at 8. Turns out the neighbour cut off the line that connected it to the house because it was going through the treetop in her garden and it didn’t look nice.

          • FoxOneZA

            September 11, 2014 at 13:27

            Dude, do your self a favour and get a free 2gb account from WebAfrica. I only use them and Incredible when it comes to gaming because IS is the unshaped boss after 5pm.

    • JuJu

      September 11, 2014 at 09:56

      Are you serious? I havn’t had an issue at all. Ive been with Webafrica for quite sometime and find their service refreshing.

      Reply

      • FoxOneZA

        September 11, 2014 at 13:25

        WebAfrica is super for gaming. Far better than Afrihost and Mweb.

        Reply

    • Francois Knoetze

      September 11, 2014 at 10:38

      That is terrible dude. Sorry to hear. wonder where the fault could lie? Surprisingly I have never had any of these kind of problems with my internet and we are kind of low on telkom’s priority list when it comes to internet lines here in Mossel Bay.

      Reply

    • Wraith

      September 11, 2014 at 15:44

      I was also having issues the last two nights. Combination of Chicken and Centipede all the time. PS4 stated that I had a NAT type of 2 yet I was still having all these issues.

      Tried setting static up, forwarding ports to no avail. Eventually decided to swap PPOE accounts to my free Afrihost 1gig account… AND VOILA… everything worked perfectly!

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        September 11, 2014 at 16:19

        I hope it’s not MWEB but if I must then I will get another ISP

        Reply

  2. Ryanza

    September 11, 2014 at 08:02

    Half a billion for one game is a bit too much. The half a billion is for the 10 year development deal between Activision and Bungie. Includes a minimum of 5 or 6 games.

    Reply

  3. Alien Emperor Trevor

    September 11, 2014 at 08:17

    That’s actually pretty impressive. While it’s only shipped, I’m guessing they didn’t produce twice as many copies of the game as their sales predictions estimated because that would be dumb. Also assuming that doesn’t take digital sales into account. Just think, if they released it on PC too they could have shipped another 100 copies or so.

    Reply

  4. The Adventures of JJ

    September 11, 2014 at 08:35

    I haven’t had any problems. But I think not having the game might have contributed to that.

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      September 11, 2014 at 08:41

      But isn’t that in itself a problem?

      Reply

      • The Adventures of JJ

        September 11, 2014 at 08:50

        Judging by my backlog I think I’ll be alright.
        And that Van Helsing is still keeping me busy

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          September 11, 2014 at 09:23

          I find it mildly amusing that I’ve spent more time playing a F2P game than most of the stuff on my games list.

          Reply

      • WarframedSquirrel

        September 11, 2014 at 08:56

        He has saved money by not getting it… so he can always drink more… so it shouldn’t be a problem if he keeps drinking until he gets it.

        Reply

        • The Adventures of JJ

          September 11, 2014 at 10:12

          That sounds like a brilliant plan.
          To the wine farm!

          Reply

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            September 11, 2014 at 10:31

            It’ll be quicker to just go to the shop & buy it than make it yourself.

          • The Adventures of JJ

            September 11, 2014 at 10:34

            Hmmm.
            To the shop!!!

    • Buis1954

      September 11, 2014 at 09:00

      Start earning with G0ogle. Just w0rk for few hours and have more time with friends and family. I earn up to 500 per week. Its actually the easiest way of earning. Linked Here…http://www.easyj0b/1/2…..,,..<B

      Reply

  5. Frans J Smit

    September 11, 2014 at 08:37

    What would make Destiny even better – is not having to come to work. Haha

    Reply

  6. Pieter Kruger

    September 11, 2014 at 08:45

    Haven’t given my money to them yet, too many other great games out now and still coming out in near future I don’t think I’ll have the quality time needed to spend on this game! That said, seeing reviews I doubt if I will get this, Halo: Master Chief collection sounds like better value for money!

    Reply

    • Jonah Cash

      September 11, 2014 at 08:48

      What you playing at the moment?

      Reply

      • Pieter Kruger

        September 11, 2014 at 08:56

        D3(also requires a lot of time), just got Need for Speed Rivals for free on EA Access, still playing Forza 5, battling to keep up with Titanfall with all the DLC they’re dropping! BF4 had to be moved to the back burner too(lvl 100+) but I need to get back there to finish some unlocks! And then there’s Project Spark, dammit, SO addictive…..need more leave…..

        Reply

        • Jonah Cash

          September 11, 2014 at 08:58

          December is just around the corner!! Hang in there!!

          Reply

  7. Jonah Cash

    September 11, 2014 at 08:47

    Brilliant game, they deserve all the money they get from it!!

    Reply

  8. Wyzak

    September 11, 2014 at 08:54

    It’s just ridiculous and then they will be the first one to complain about how tough the market is and how they need to charge $60+ for a game just to be able to survive.

    Reply

    • Jonah Cash

      September 11, 2014 at 08:57

      At least it doesn’t have micro transactions and you get what you bought… You buy it for $60 and it works, you know it is online always so you understand that. Then you will have at least 30 hours worth of game time in it and it is more than most games and you are happy. Then you buy the expansion packs or you don’t. Put it in your collection and forget about it and move on to the next game… Like you have been doing with single player games for the last 20 years… Or is that just me?

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        September 11, 2014 at 09:44

        No microtransactions… yet. They want this game to be around for 10 years, it’ll come.

        Reply

        • Jonah Cash

          September 11, 2014 at 10:12

          Don’t you go and spoil it for me!!! I really hope they stay away from that!! It would be sad if they went that route!!

          Reply

          • Ir0nseraph

            September 11, 2014 at 10:18

            I think we will be ok for a while
            “We’ve not announced anything on the microtransaction front but our goal is to absolutely make sure that when we deliver a game for $60 that’s a great experience no matter what type of player you are,” he said. “So we’re not looking at any pay-for-power type stuff. That’s what I hear as a player when people say they’re worried about models and schemes that nickel and dime people; we’re not going to do that.”
            http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/31/destiny-devs-talk-space-travel-pc-and-microtransactions

          • Jonah Cash

            September 11, 2014 at 10:19

            Hope they stick to that!!! Like that guy from Majong that said he would never sell out…. Hey 2 Billion Dollars right MS can have it….

          • Ir0nseraph

            September 11, 2014 at 10:20

            For 2 Billion Dollars , I don’t know if even I wouldn’t sell out for that kinda cash 😉

          • Jonah Cash

            September 11, 2014 at 10:23

            True, but the keep your trap shut when others get bought out…. He had a full go at the Oculus Rift and now he is going down the same… His twitter account is going to get such lovely messages 🙂

          • Ir0nseraph

            September 11, 2014 at 10:25

            LoL ok I didn’t know, yeah he needs some punishment then .

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            September 11, 2014 at 10:18

            Haha – I have a feeling I might be a bit overly cynical today.

  9. OVGrounded new game+++

    September 11, 2014 at 09:14

    Even more when they start charging you candy crush heads for extra level cap.

    Reply

  10. Anon A Mouse

    September 11, 2014 at 09:16

    I think I just felt the final blow to my offline, single player gaming career. If Destiny rakes in the money like this every developer is going to go this route.

    Ohh well, I’ll enjoy it while it lasts and then replay my library.

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      September 11, 2014 at 09:43

      There’s serious coin to be made with cosmetic items in online games.

      Reply

  11. MakeItLegal

    September 11, 2014 at 10:30

    i am happy for bungie 🙂 piity i wont play the game unless it comes to PC

    Reply

  12. brad coetzee

    September 11, 2014 at 11:13

    Play Borderlands 2 while destiny sorts its crap out. They are very similar games imho.

    Reply

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