Take-Two: GTA IV Release Date Uncertain News

Previously one of the most anticipated titles of 2007 before being pushed into a spring 2008 release period back in the summer, the launch of Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto IV continues to be under a layer of ambiguity today, thanks to comments from Take-Two Interactive boss, Strauss Zelnick.

In a speech made at the BMO Capital Markets Conference yesterday, the head of Rockstar Games' parent company revealed that, "We're going to give a firm date when we are utterly convinced that we have it and that isn't right now."

Reported by UK-based GamesIndustry, Zelnick continued to explain that, "We know it's highly anticipated. Right now our view is to put out a high quality title and we're not in the business of disappointing investors." He went on to comment that pushing the game from its original launch last month was likely a positive decision to allow the take-up of Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 this Christmas - even though there were initial reservations:

"I think there was a concern initially when we slipped that we missed the boat in terms of Christmas but I think that concern has been alleviated...I think most people see it as okay - hardware penetration is going to grow over Christmas and because this is a must-have title it's probably okay that we're not selling it in the Christmas season."

Following Zelnick's comments, it certainly becomes apparent how risky the original 'October 19th 2007' release date was, set by Take-Two's previous board at a time when the firm was being investigated for irregularities by the US Securities and Exchange Commission.