GTA4 Officially Smashes Entertainment Records News

If you hadn't noticed the release of GTA4 last week then you were probably residing in the deepest, darkest rainforests or on another planet, as today Take-Two Interactive officially announced that the title has surpassed all-time entertainment records for day one and week one sales.

Shifting an estimated 6 million copies across the globe and generating sales of more than $500 million (significantly above expectations), GTA4 also notched up sales of $310 million and 3.6 million units on the first day alone!

"We knew Grand Theft Auto IV would break new ground in terms of the player's experience, with its compelling story line, extraordinary gameplay and action that ranges over a broad urban canvas. Now, it has broken sales and rating records as well. Grand Theft Auto IV's first week performance represents the largest launch in the history of interactive entertainment, and we believe these retail sales levels surpass any movie or music launch to date. We congratulate the entire Rockstar team on creating a must-have experience that takes the legendary Grand Theft Auto franchise to a new level," said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two.

"Rockstar's goal is to make each new title in the Grand Theft Auto franchise even better than those that preceded it, and Grand Theft Auto IV is a smashing success on that score. Grand Theft Auto IV makes full use of the power of next generation technology, and offers players an experience unique in the interactive entertainment medium. This game sets a new standard in the industry, with critics hailing it as both an artistic and technological masterpiece," said Ben Feder, Take-Two's Chief Executive Officer.

As a result of the unparalleled success, Take-Two's share value has hovered around $26 per share, suggesting that EA's initial offer took into account the likely widespread success of Rockstar North's latest epic.