GTA IV DLC Episodes Will Be Released as Standalone Game

Rockstar continues to generate hype around its Grand Theft Auto IV game as yesterday it announced the second DLC episode for the game, entitled the Ballad of Gay Tony. Now, after already stirring up a bit of controversy, the company has unveiled the fact that the two DLC expansions for GTA IV will become a standalone title and will be shipped on a retail disc for the Xbox 360.

Set to include both the first episode, The Lost and Damned, and this second one, this release will be labeled Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City and will be available exclusively for the Xbox 360, without the requirement of owning an original copy of GTA IV in order to play the episodes.

“Liberty City is the most vibrant game world we've created yet. The episodic structure has allowed us to interweave stories, gameplay and atmosphere in a whole new way,” said Sam Houser, founder of Rockstar Games. “The team at Rockstar North have yet again surpassed themselves, and made something that is both epic and very innovative. This episode's focus on high-end night life contrasts with the biker gangs portrayed in The Lost and Damned, whilst giving us a lot of new gameplay possibilities.”

Those who don't own a copy of GTA IV or haven't yet purchased these expansions will need to fork out 39.99 dollars for the retail disc and the pleasure of experiencing these new adventures on the streets of the stunning Liberty City. With both Johnny Klebitz and Luis Lopez as playable characters, this new release will certainly offer memorable experiences for all GTA fans around the world.

Look forward to the launch of this retail package and of the second DLC episode this fall, when people will once again flock to the world of GTA IV in order to see some new adventures on its streets and alleyways.