GTA IV Delayed Due to “Technical Issues”
We were all saddened to hear that GTA IV has been delayed until well into 2008. However, this delay is not without it’s reason. During the Take-Two Conference Call (to which GTA IV’s delay was the center of discussion) that I sat in on, Take-Two’s top brass gave us the lowdown on just what went wrong.
First thing first, Take-Two reiterated to us that GTA IV has indeed been delayed until Q2 2008. In lamens terms, that basically means we shouldn’t expect GTA IV until around April, 2008. The decision for the delay was actually made today (August 2nd). However, Take-Two wanted to reassure it’s shareholders that with titles like BioShock, Bully, and the 2K8 sports line all on the horizon, that Take-Two is in a strong position entering this hectic holiday season.
When asked for a specific reason behind the decision to push the release back, Take-Two told us that it was their intention to create the same experience on both the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3. While they would not go into details regarding the specifics of the decision, they did tell us that the delay was purely to work on technical issues within the game.
Now keep in mind that Microsoft and Rockstar have an exclusive, $50 Million deal in place that guarantees special content for the Xbox 360. When asked if this delay will have an effect on that arangement, Take-Two informed us that the details of the Microsoft contract are confidential. In short, we weren’t told crap.
That’s all the GTA-related news brought up during the call. Most of it was about sales, and contracts. There was a question asked about Manhunt 2, but again… most of it was about numbers. But again, the short of it: GTA IV was delayed due to technical issues. It beats getting a game that’s mad buggy, doesn’t it?
Microsoft, Xbox 360, Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto IV
