Grand Theft Auto IV Earns a Pretty Penny in First Week @ JustPressPlay

Wednesday.May.07.2008

Grand Theft Auto IV Earns a Pretty Penny in First Week

Well, maybe more than a pretty penny.

The New York Times revealed yesterday that Take-Two pulled in $500 million in first-week sales from game franchise juggernaut Grand Theft Auto IV.

Take-Two confirmed the report this morning and did a little boasting about their record-breaking numbers.

"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.

If EA's mouth wasn't salivating at the prospect of purchasing Take-Two before, they must practically be drowning in their spit after hearing this news.

Got a scoop, update, or corrections? Send us a note at news@justpressplay.net