GTAIV Breaks All Launch Records

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Well, it's official: Grand Theft Auto IV really is the biggest thing since sliced bread.

According to MCVUK, Rockstar and Take-Two's massive blockbuster is now "the most lucrative entertainment launch of all time." This does involve every facet of entertainment from movies to music to books, and that's a tremendous accomplishment. Take-Two has just confirmed that GTAIV sold 6 million units globally during its first week of availability - a number predicted by many analysts - and it has topped $500 million in total sales. First-day sales were most impressive, with 3.6 million copies headed out the door at a retail value of about $310 million. The week's numbers easily eclipse that of the previous record-holder, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," which hit $404 million at the box office last year.

"We knew Grand Theft Auto IV would break new ground in terms of the player's experience, with its compelling story line, extraordinary gameplay and action that ranges over a broad urban canvas. Now, it has broken sales and rating records as well,” said Take-Two chairman, Strauss Zelnick. “Grand Theft Auto IV's first week performance represents the largest launch in the history of interactive entertainment, and we believe these retail sales levels surpass any movie or music launch to date. We congratulate the entire Rockstar team on creating a must-have experience that takes the legendary Grand Theft Auto franchise to a new level."

The game is indeed amazing, and in our estimation, its success is well deserved. Very few games have achieved on the level of GTAIV, and the gaming public has correctly responded in making Take-Two an even more valuable commodity than before. Rockstar is most happy with the results as well, and are confident that they've produced something in this new generation that delivers the goods.

"Rockstar's goal is to make each new title in the Grand Theft Auto franchise even better than those that preceded it, and Grand Theft Auto IV is a smashing success on that score,” said Take-Two CEO Ben Feder. “Grand Theft Auto IV makes full use of the power of next generation technology, and offers players an experience unique in the interactive entertainment medium. This game sets a new standard in the industry, with critics hailing it as both an artistic and technological masterpiece."

Yep, we agree.

Related Game(s): Grand Theft Auto IV

5/7/2008 Ben Dutka