Grand Theft Auto IV Pushed Back to 2008

The launch of Grand Theft Auto IV is now going to be planned for Fiscal year 2008. Take-Two Interactive Software is reducing its fiscal 2007 guidance to reflect the movement of the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV for the Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360. They are pushing it back from the fourth quarter of the fiscal 2007 year to the fiscal 2008 year, due to the game not being all the way complete, because of additional developments. Grand Theft Auto IV is not being slated for the companies 2^nd quarter in the 2008 fiscal year, thus giving them time to finish it up. Rockstar Games initially appeared to be committed to the October 16, 2007 release date. However, Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter suggested that Take-Two may choose to delay the release of GTA IV in order to boost its financial results for 2008 and to avoid competing with the release of another highly anticipated title, Halo 3. This is a smart move on their part, most people don't have the money or even if they do really buy two games at once. Most people are going to choose which game they feel they want the most, thus making the other game lose a potential sale. Setting a date for your game to come out on a week where there isn't any other big games expecting to come out means better sells for your game.

Chief Executive Officer of Take-Two, Ben Feder said, "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."

Chairman of Take-Two, Strauss Zelnick, stated, "With Grand Theft Auto IV, Rockstar is setting a new standard for next generation video games. Certain elements of development proved to be more time-intensive than expected, especially given the commitment for a simultaneous release on two very different platforms. We all recognize that perfecting the game is vital and I can assure everyone it will be worth the wait. We owe it to the game's millions of fans, to our dedicated development team, and to our shareholders to make sure that Grand Theft Auto IV is a groundbreaking gaming experience that takes maximum advantage of next generation technology."

Founder and Executive Producer of Rockstar Games Sam Houser, added, "The new consoles are allowing us to create the Grand Theft Auto game we always dreamed about. Every aspect of the game and its design has been completely transformed. The game is huge and is pushing the hardware platforms to their absolute limits. The top engineers from Sony and Microsoft are working closely with the team in Edinburgh right now, helping us to fully leverage the power of both platforms. As always, our goal is to surpass even the wildest expectations of the game's fans, and to create the ultimate high definition video game experience."

In Grand Theft Auto IV there will be many new features that GTA fans cant wait to try out such as the multiplayer function allowing you to play with other people, thus making the experience even better. The soundtrack is one of the best things about the Grand Theft Auto series. When your cruising around the streets in your car you can swiftly change the radio stations and choose what you want to listen to while playing, making the experience fun.

Grand Theft Auto will be releasing a Special Edition version of the game as well on the day of the game launch. This special edition version will be for both the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3. It will feature a metal like safe deposit box that will contain a rockstar keychain to open and lock the box, Rockstar duffel bag, production artwork from GTA IV and a specially packaged version of the game for either PS3 or Xbox 360. This special edition package will run customers 89.99 USD for both the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3.

The game being pushed back will be a huge blow to the gaming community and all of the many Grand Theft Auto Fans across the world. The Grand Theft Auto series has been one of the most selling games of all time and is very popular amongst teenagers.

Sources

http://ir.take2games.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=258238