(27 September 2007 7:00 pm)

MUMBAI: It is perhaps the biggest entertainment release in history. Microsoft Corp's Halo 3 video game for Xbox 360 has generated more than $170 million (US) sales in its first day. What's more, the figures even beat the $151-million debut of Spider Man 3, according to a company announcement.

The first day sales easily exceed those of Halo 2, which brought in $125 million, when it released in 2004.

In fact, reports that some discs were scratched by packaging - a problem Microsoft has agreed to fix - appear not to have dented enthusiasm for the game.

Microsoft is relying heavily on Halo 3 to boost sales of its Xbox 360 console, the exclusive unit on which the game plays. Xbox360's competitors include Nintendo Wii and Sony's PlayStation 3.

According to industry researcher NDP Group, the video game industry has enjoyed phenomenal sales this summer in the US. In August, video game software sales rose nearly 23 per cent year over year to $488 million, while overall industry sales totalled $993 million, including consoles and other hardware.

Halo 3 launched in 37 countries at midnight on 25 September and is available in 17 languages. It is priced at $60.