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Industry Fallout from GTA IV Delay
SET writes "MSNBC has an interesting writeup on the shakeups in the gaming industry following Take-Two's announcement that Grand Theft Auto IV has been delayed. The article examines the problems this creates for Microsoft and Sony, both of whom were expecting GTA IV to help boost Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 sales this coming holiday season. 'Analyst Michael Pachter told Web site GamesIndustry.biz that he believes Rockstar has delayed the game because it is struggling with development on the PlayStation 3. Sony denies this charge and said that the company has a dedicated team working with Rockstar on "GTA IV." They say they're not that worried about the delay and would prefer that Rockstar take the time it needs to perfect the game. "We'd love to have [it] out as soon as possible," said Sony spokesperson Dave Karakker. "But we've never had a single game make or break any of our platforms. That's not how we built 100 million sales of [the] PlayStation 2, and that's not how we'll build 100 million in sales of [the] PlayStation 3."'"
Ultimately, the GTA IV delay helps Microsoft more than it hurts them. Microsoft already has a blockbuster holiday season lineup in the works, even without GTA IV. Sony, on the other hand, was relying on GTA IV as one of the cornerstones of its 2007 holiday strategy.
As far as I know, Microsoft cares more about releasing Halo 3 this year than GTA IV. They are just saying it for PR purposes. I'm sure Microsoft could care less when GTA IV comes out, they have many great games coming out this year and early next year.
No, actually Microsoft made it very clear that GTA IV was expected to be one of the big three system sellers this year, along with Halo and Madden. It was important enough that Peter Moore tatooed it on his arm, for cryin' out loud!
What with all the crazy shit coming out in the next few months for the 360, PS3, and the Wii, the last thing that I needed was another game that would suck up 40-60 hours playtime...this at least gives me (and many others) a chance to play through all the stuff coming out by the end of the year.
Take your time Rockstar. We will buy it regardless of when you release it.
Living With a Nerd
Though not really related to anything, I'll see your "Order of Magnitude" and raise you a "Mathematical Base".