Grand Theft Auto IV screenshot (Source: Rockstar Games)
Take-Two announces that Grand Theft Auto IV will not be available before Christmas
Take-Two Interactive Software announced it will delay both the Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 versions of Grand Theft Auto IV, arguably the company's most important upcoming video game. Originally scheduled to be released October 16, the game will now likely be released in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 - a period ranging from February 1 to April 30.
The recent announcement was rather unexpected, and Take-Two said the game must be delayed because it isn't completed. Game developer Rockstar Games strongly promoted the October 16 game release with little indication a delay loomed in the future.
Microsoft and Sony were expecting the latest Grand Theft Auto video game to give them an important boost during the Christmas holiday shopping rush.
"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," said Strauss Zelnick, Take-Two chairman.
Take-Two also lowered financial outlook for the final two quarters of its fiscal year.
While Microsoft can look forward to the latest Halo in the holiday season, Sony no longer has a premier game title to offer gamers during the holiday - a turn of events which could help sales of the Nintendo Wii game console, according to Evan Wilson, Pacific Crest Securities analyst.
"It is rare that a single game can change the dynamics of the competitive landscape," Wilson added.
Take-Two and Rockstar Games already have another anticipated game that has not been released - Manhunt 2 is still ensnared in legal limbo over the game's violence.
"When an individual makes a copy of a song for himself, I suppose we can say he stole a song." -- Sony BMG attorney Jennifer Pariser
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