14 DAY TRIAL // GTA IV has always sparked controversy before the launch but players don't have to worry about this with the new title because Rockstar has decided not to release it until the second fiscal quarter of 2008 (in gaming terms it means sometimes after January 31).
I don't want to be a weasel here, but I think they have rushed a little just to get the community all hyped up about the game. Delaying it in the last moment will make GTA IV one of the most coveted games of 2008, or this is what they think. Humans never learn from their mistakes. Every game that has been delayed "due to additional development time required to complete the title" has got everyone imagining its version of the game, so when the game actually comes out, it will be nothing of what they've expected.
Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two, had this to say: "With Grand Theft Auto IV, Rockstar is setting a new standard for next generation video games. Certain elements of development proved to be more time-intensive than expected, especially given the commitment for a simultaneous release on two very different platforms. We all recognize that perfecting the game is vital and I can assure everyone it will be worth the wait. We owe it to the game's millions of fans, to our dedicated development team, and to our shareholders to make sure that Grand Theft Auto IV is a groundbreaking gaming experience that takes maximum advantage of next generation technology."
Ben Feder, Chief Executive Officer of Take-Two, stated, "Obviously, we are very disappointed to reduce guidance after having previously reaffirmed it. Other than a matter of timing, the movement of Grand Theft Auto IV does not compromise Take-Two in any way. We are in sound financial condition and have a great product line up. Grand Theft Auto IV is going to be the defining next generation video game action adventure."
Sam Houser, Founder and Executive Producer of Rockstar Games, has added in return: "The new consoles are allowing us to create the Grand Theft Auto game we always dreamed about. Every aspect of the game and its design has been completely transformed. The game is huge and is pushing the hardware platforms to their absolute limits. The top engineers from Sony and Microsoft are working closely with the team in Edinburgh right now, helping us to fully leverage the power of both platforms. As always, our goal is to surpass even the wildest expectations of the game's fans, and to create the ultimate high definition video game experience."
I do believe that GTA IV will be a triple AAA title but I hope I'll see it treated the way it should be and not through the perspective of a delayed, angry gamer.