GTA IV Pushed Into Spring 2008 Release [Update] News

Take-Two Interactive has today confirmed that Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto IV has been pushed back beyond its original mid-October release date into the second quarter of the 2008 fiscal year (February to April).

Undoubtedly, the move to delay the release of GTA IV is a brave one to take, especially when the game is the figurehead title for Take-Two and Rockstar - and the fact that the release date had been virtually carved in stone at Microsoft's E3 2006 conference. One of the most anticipated titles for Christmas 2007 (and now the run up to Easter 2008), most gamers would however agree that it's better Rockstar North is given the time to polish and deliver GTA IV the way they intended it.

Ben Feder, Chief Executive Officer of Take-Two, commented, "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."

Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two, stated, "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."

Sam Houser, Founder and Executive Producer of Rockstar Games, added, "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."

[UPDATE] In a subsequent webcast explaining the decision, Take-Two commented that the delay was a result of 'technological challenges' as they focused on creating a 'superb next-generation experience.' The publisher has also removed Manhunt 2 from the rest of the 2007 fiscal year, ending October 31st. Rockstar Games yesterday confirmed that they had lodged an appeal to overturn the UK ban of the game.