Retailers have been told from Take-Two that the new release date for Grand Theft Auto IV is March 2008. In the USA, games are typically released on a Tuesday which would make it either the 4th, 11th, 18th or 25th of March.
In a conference call, Take-Two executives Strauss Zelnick and Ben Feder explained the company’s decision to delay Grand Theft Auto IV, with its now expected Q2 2008 release date.
They reasoned that the delay was because of “almost strictly technological problems… not problems, but challenges.” They then went on to said they were “highly confident” that it would be shipped in its new release date window (Q2 2008).
When asked if one console was the cause of the problem, they could only repsond with a diplomatic answer.
“I know there have been rumors in the marketplace about frame rate and some other issues. We don’t think it’s helpful or beneficial to go into exact details of what the technological issues are. We’re pushing the envelope on both the platforms.”
They continued on to say “This wasn’t a decision we took lightly. This wasn’t a decision [Rockstar] took lightly.” With the decision only being made when it was clear that it was impossible to have the game complete for the expected release date.
There are several possible reasons for delay, but the most likely seems that it is difficult to develop games for PS3, and Rockstar under-estimating how long it was going to take for the PS3’s development.
“Speaking to the gaming websites gather who were at the GTAIV preview event, Rockstar has confirmed that that the PS3 version of GTAIV is a week to two weeks behind the XBOX360’s version. “
“Analyst Michael Pachter believes Rockstar has delayed the release of Grand Theft Auto IV because it is struggling with development on the PlayStation 3.
And the Xbox 360 version of the game has suffered at least a six month delay as a result, due to contractual obligations that will have prevented the publisher from releasing the game first on Microsoft’s machine, says the analyst.”
Although, some not so reliable sources are saying it is the Xbox 360’s fault, with its smaller DVD9 drive not being big enough to fit the game, which doesn’t seem as likely as a cause for delay compared to the previous reasons.
Take-Two Interactive have released a press release stating that GTA4 has been delayed till 2008.
“Launch of Grand Theft Auto IV Now Planned for Fiscal 2008″
“Ben Feder, Chief Executive Officer of Take-Two, commented, “Obviously, we are very disappointed to reduce guidance after having previously reaffirmed it. Other than a matter of timing, the movement of Grand Theft Auto IV does not compromise Take-Two in any way. We are in sound financial condition and have a great product line up. Grand Theft Auto IV is going to be the defining next generation video game action adventure.”
Read the press release here.
Rockstar Games have released their first official teaser site, WKTT Talk Radio.
This is probably the most exciting teaser site for any Grand Theft Auto game yet, as it is giving you a chance to be a part of the radio station in the game. By calling the number listed on the site, there is a chance that your random call could end up in the game.
Aug 09
Eurovision 2004 contest winner, Ruslana, will be the voice behind on the character in Grand Theft Auto IV. It is unknown what character she will be voicing, but as she is from Ukrainian descent, we can only guess some type of European female.
Yahoo! have conducted an interview with Rockstar’s Dan Houser about various aspects of Grand Theft Auto IV.
What’s the most incredible aspect of Grand Theft Auto IV?
We hope it’s the overall experience — everything coming together into one coherent package. A world brought to life in a way nobody has ever seen before and full of people. This, together with your character Niko arriving into this world, and being able to explore it or develop relationships or follow a narrative that bends around decisions you make. And all of it links together. It is the feeling of this all being one world and one experience that makes Grand Theft Auto IV what it is, and unlike any other video game.
What do you want fans that play Grand Theft Auto IV to take away from the experience?
We are trying to make the greatest crime story of the 21st century, in any medium. We hope people love it. Above all, we want people to appreciate that we have taken video games a step closer to what we think their ultimate destiny is — the most powerful and engaging form of entertainment — and an incredible way to tell a story.
Check out the rest here.
From the 21st issue of the Xbox 360 UK Magazine we are given a little bit more information about GTA IV.
- After a near crash between two cars, a pedestrian yelled out “That was f*cked up!”
- When Niko approached a large group of people, he weaved in and out of them, and at one stage even gave them a slight push to get him out of his way
It also looks like we won’t be mega-rich at the end of the game.
“rather than the rags to riches story of old games, GTA IV looks more like a rags to better rags story. The idea is ostensibly for Bellic to keep afloat in Liberty City, rather than walking the streets with tons of cash dripping out of every pocket. After all, if Niko had accumulated over half a million dollars, it’s a little far fetched for him to want to carry out other missions. He’d be set for life from that point on and could provide for both himself and his brother. We therefore imagine GTA IV will have a much more realistic approach to funds and how much you’ll ultimately have to spend them throughout the game.”
And finally on the music in Grand Theft Auto IV.
“Unlike other GTA’s, GTA 4 will have a lesser known voice cast and music that isn’t distinctly popular or obvious to the 2007 settings. Expect many unsigned bands or indies to show up.”
Below are the official screenshots from the game released by Rockstar.
There will be a special edition of GTA4 when released.
The $129.99 Legendary Edition of Halo 3 will be the most expensive special edition of a console game this year. However, today another eagerly anticipated title was also given its own high-priced package with extras aplenty. Rockstar Games today announced a special edition of its biggest game this year, Grand Theft Auto IV. The SE of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 will run $89.99, some $30 more than the $59.99 a la carte game.
For the extra triple sawbuck, gamers will receive a bevy of extras. The game will come bundled with a limited edition Rockstar duffel bag and a book containing “never-before-seen production artwork” from the game. Also included will be an audio CD with selections from soundtrack of the game, which is set during the present day. No specific tracks were mentioned, but Rockstar promised that it would contain “new material from top artists available only on this release.”
All the aforementioned goodies will come inside the GTA IV SE’s oddest extra, a fully lockable metal safety deposit box. The bundle will also contain a special keychain with keys to access said lockbox. No photos of the box have yet been made available to the press.