Blizzard have shot through some information they've gathered (themselves) on the success of their recently released expansion for World of WarCraft, Cataclysm, claiming the game has sold more than 3.3 million copies in its first 24 hours on sale (this figure also accounts for digital purchases).

While this information is based on Blizzard's internal figures, reports from distribution partners and how many people there had their fingers crossed, we're inclined to agree the figure is likely to be accurate, with the previous 24-hour sales record being held by the Wrath of the Lich King, which sold some 2.8 million copies in the same time period in 2008. Huzzah for the shopkeep.

"We had to bring Azeroth to the brink of destruction in Cataclysm, but the result was our best expansion yet,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment (via press release). “We want to thank all of our new, existing, and returning players throughout the world for their incredible enthusiasm and support, and we look forward to hearing what they think about all the new content.”

Blizzard also reminds us that such an undertaking as this is trying on their infrastructure, which is why the company is currently hiring, details of which you can learn more about right here.

In case you missed it, we also have a heft Cataclysm competition running right here on AusGamers, which you can find out more about here, and stay tuned for a detailed run-down of my very own 1-10 Cataclysm experience after more than four years away from WoW.