Rockstar Games is launching Grand Theft Auto IV tomorrow, the latest installment of its controversial crime- and mayhem-infused video game franchise glorifying violence, sex, thug life, and meaningless murder. Unlike massive video game launches like Microsoft’s Halo 3,Grand Theft Auto IV has no massive advertising campaign promoting the title: there’s a Web site, a few video trailers…and that’s about it. Everything else is word-of-mouth. And yet GTA IV is expected to be one of the largest—if not the largest game launch in industry history, with sales expected to exceed 9 million copies within a few months of launch, and total sales by the end of the year possibly exceeding 12 million. And at $59.99 a pop—for either the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3—that’s a tidy profit for Rockstar.
No wonder Electronic Arts wants to take over GTA publisher Take-Two Interactive.
Grand Theft Auto IV is sure to be greeted by new rounds of controversy: Take-Two was forced to withdraw its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, after hidden sexually explicit content was exposed within the game. The company spent millions retooling and re-releasing the game while trying to dodge civil suits and federal investigations. GTA IV doesn’t let up, and apparently includes a good deal of content many industry watchers—and even many gamers—may find objectionable, including simulated sex acts, hookups with prostitutes and strippers, profanity, and—of course—wanton acts of violence.
The game is centered in a lightly fictionalized New York City, and offers new multiplayer options as well as the promise of a continuous stream of new content to be offered via the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live services. The game is collecting rave reviews from industry publications and insiders, many giving the game high marks and even comparing it to an Oscar-winning film…albeit a film laced with brutality and violence. Grand Theft Auto IV goes on sale April 29, with several major retailers opening at midnight to accommodate gamers’ need to be first in line. Grand Theft Auto IV is rated M for "Mature" by the ESRB, meaning it’s deemed unsuitable for children under age 17.
