Popular GTA installment ported to the iPhone, iPod touch

Jan 19, 2010 10:07 GMT  ·  By

In a predictable move, Rockstar Games has formally announced the availability of Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars for iPhone and iPod touch. Apple approved the game yesterday, apparently catching Rockstar off guard. The company later issued a press release acknowledging the latest developments, and encouraging fans of the GTA franchise to visit the App Store and download the new title.

Via its January 18 press release, Rockstar confirmed that Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars was available from the App Store. In the report, the company reveals to GTA fans and owners of an Apple handset that Chinatown Wars has been developed by Rockstar's preeminent handheld studio, Rockstar Leeds. The company then proceeds to include a statement from its founder, Sam Houser (available below).

"We're thrilled to finally unleash Grand Theft Auto on the App Store," Sam Houser, founder of Rockstar Games, said. "Fans of the franchise have clamored for Chinatown Wars on the iPhone and iPod touch, and we're very happy to make good on our promise and deliver such an action-packed experience on these exciting platforms."

Softpedia reported yesterday that GTA: Chinatown Wars for iPhone and iPod touch had been approved by Apple and was available to download for $9.99 to handset owners running the latest version of the iPhone OS. We could not help but notice that the game’s App Store description included nothing whatsoever related to the gameplay and the main features, which clearly indicated that Rockstar hadn’t even prepared a proper description in time for the approval. Apple’s reviewers probably looked up the game’s plot on Rockstar’s site, because that was the only piece of Chinatown Wars description we could see on the App Store. Today, however, it’s a different story. (iTunes link)

The GTA: Chinatown Wars description now includes plenty of details regarding the new iPhone port, comprising information on the iPhone-optimized control scheme, graphics and gameplay. Other key features include Independence Radio – a brand-new station allowing players to create custom iTunes playlists, adjusted difficulty levels, and more.

Download Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars ($9.99)