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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesElectronic Arts said Battlefield 3 sold through five million units worldwide in its first week, based on EA’s internal estimates. The publisher called it the fastest-selling game in EA history at the time; that was EA’s 2011 characterization, not a claim about a current industry record.
What EA meant by five million
In an announcement dated October 31, 2011, EA reported that Battlefield 3 had “sold through” five million units globally during its first week. EA attributed the number to internal estimates and did not publish a detailed estimation method or a platform-by-platform breakdown. EA’s announcement therefore establishes the publisher’s reported sell-through estimate, not an independently audited count.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Battlefield 3 - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $8.33 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Battlefield 3 - Xbox 360 | $17.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Battlefield 3 - Limited Edition - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $8.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Battlefield 4 - Xbox 360 | $15.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Battlefield 3 - Limited Edition - Xbox 360 | $22.95 | Buy on Amazon |
“Sold through” is not interchangeable with units shipped to retailers. The release describes sales through in the market; it does not give a separate shipment total. So the most precise answer to “How many copies did it sell?” is: EA estimated five million units sold through worldwide in the first week.
What “fastest-selling” referred to
EA described the result as the fastest-selling game in its own history as of October 31, 2011. The statement was limited to EA’s catalog and the time of that announcement. It does not establish a record across all publishers, nor does it say the game remains EA’s fastest seller today.
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- Battlefield 3 introduces Frostbite 2, the incredible technology that takes animation, destruction, lighting, scale and audio
- Feel the impact of bullets and explosions, drag your fallen comrades into safety, and mount your weapon on almost any part of the terrain
- The best online vehicular warfare experience gets even better with a fitting sonic boom as fighter jets headline impressive lineup vehicles
- Take the fight to iconic and unexpected urban locations in the USA, Middle East, and Europe
- Experience gripping multiplayer action with 2-24 player battles supported online
Release context: platforms and pre-sales
EA’s October 25, 2011 launch announcement said the game was available at retail in North America and would be available in Europe on October 27 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. EA also reported close to three million pre-sales in that launch announcement. That pre-sales figure is a separate measure and should not be added to or treated as the first-week sell-through total. EA’s launch announcement provides that release context.
What the announcement does not break down
- EA did not state how the five million units divided among PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.
- The release did not explain the underlying estimate methodology beyond saying it was based on EA’s internal estimates.
- EA reported critic averages above 85 on console and above 90 on PC, attributing them to Metacritic as of October 31, 2011. Those are historical figures cited in the 2011 announcement, not current ratings.
Any comparison with another game’s launch sales needs to match the metric (sell-through versus shipments), period, territory, platform coverage, and whether the figure is an estimate or an audited count. Without those details, headline totals may not be directly comparable.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Battlefield 3 introduces Frostbite 2, the technology that takes animation, destruction, lighting, scale and audio to new heights. Battlefield 3 immerses players physically and emotionally to world around them.
- Feel impact of bullets and explosions, drag fallen comrades to safety, and mount weapons on any terrain. Battlefield 3’s animation, visuals and real gameplay attack your senses and make you feel the visceral warriors experience.
- Unparalleled Vehicle Warfare — The best online vehicle warfare experience gets even better with a fitting sonic boom as fighter jets headline impressive lineup of land, air and sea vehicles
- Urban Combat — Take the fight to iconic and unexpected places in the USA, Middle East, and Europe including claustrophobic streets, metropolitan downtowns, and open, vehicle-friendly landscapes as you fight your way through the war of tomorrow.
Rank #4
- Only in Battlefield can you change the landscape in real-time with interactive environments that react to your every move
- Only in Battlefield will you find the awe-inspiring power of the next generation Frostbite 3 engine, whose unrivaled audio and visual fidelity make your game more dramatic, more believable, and more human
- Only in Battlefield can you experience an unmatched level of all-out war that grants you the freedom to play to your strengths and carve your own path to victory
- Only in Battlefield do you have the power to dominate land, air and sea with all-new, intense water-based vehicle combat
Rank #3
- Battlefield 3 introduces Frostbite 2, the incredible technology that takes animation, destruction, lighting, scale and audio
- Feel the impact of bullets and explosions, drag your fallen comrades into safety, and mount your weapon on almost any part of the terrain
- The best online vehicular warfare experience gets even better with a fitting sonic boom as fighter jets headline impressive lineup vehicles
- Take the fight to iconic and unexpected urban locations in the USA, Middle East, and Europe
- Experience gripping multiplayer action with 2-24 player battles supported online
Rank #2
- Battlefield 3 introduces Frostbite 2, the incredible technology that takes animation, destruction, lighting, scale and audio to new heights. Built upon this powerful game engine, Battlefield 3 immerses players physically and emotionally to the world.
- Feel the impact of bullets and explosions and mount your weapon on almost any part of the terrain. Battlefield 3’s cutting edge animation, spectacular visuals and real as hell battle gameplay attack your senses.
- Unparalleled Vehicle Warfare — The best online vehicle warfare experience gets even better with a fitting sonic boom as fighter jets headline impressive lineup of land, air and sea vehicles
- Urban Combat — Take the fight to iconic and unexpected places in the USA, Middle East, and Europe including claustrophobic streets, metropolitan downtowns, and open, vehicle-friendly landscapes as you fight your way through the war of tomorrow.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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