Assassin's Creed 2 Sells 1.6 Million Units In First Week

Ubisoft says its Xbox 360 and PS3 title Assassin's Creed II has sold 1.6 million units worldwide in its first week -- 32 percent more than the original Assassin's Creed sold in the same period of time. Ubisoft asserts that the original Assassin's Creed, launched in November 2007, is the fastest-selling new video game IP ever in the U.S. The original game in the franchise the publishers' expectations, selling 8 million units as compared to projections of just 3 million -- with over 2.5 million units sold in its first month alone. Based on higher preorders and this stronger launch, analysts generally expect the sequel to do even better. The game is a key component -- if not the largest component -- in Ubisoft's current fiscal year. Assassin's Creed II casts players as Renaissance-era noble Ezio, who seeks revenge against rival ruling families of Italy. A PC version of the title is due in early 2010.