Critics Expect Unprecedented Sales of Grand Theft Auto
Posted on: Monday, 28 April 2008, 11:25 CDT
As the release of the final chapter of Rockstar Games’ popular video game series Grand Theft Auto nears, critics and fans have already set high expectations for its sales figures.The game has already received highly favorable reviews from critics, and it is expected to break the $300 million global first-week sales figure, currently held by Microsoft for its release of “Halo 3 last September.
Previous volumes of the video game series have sold more than 70 million copies worldwide.
UK-based games website Eurogamer called it "game of the year" and handed it a 10 out of 10 review score, while the New York Times said it delivered a "new level of depth for an interactive entertainment experience".
The question for many experts is whether the pre-release hype of the game will translate into long-term sales.
"I think all the preorder programs now in place for these top titles really end up taking the long-term sales out of many games," said Michael Goodman, director of digital entertainment at Yankee Group . "So I don't think 'Grand Theft Auto IV' is going to have those kind of legs."
Take-Two Interactive Software Inc, parent company of developer Rockstar Games, even suggested that worldwide actual game sales could reach 6 million, generating $400 million for the publisher as it battles a hostile takeover attempt from rival Electronic Arts.
"EA is going to have to either up their bid significantly or pull back for six months to a year and hope the 'Grand Theft Auto' hoopla dies down, keeping their fingers crossed that Take-Two is not on a winning streak," said Goodman.
However, the series is no stranger to controversy. Grand Theft Auto has been criticized for its portrayal of violence.
In a joint statement from the ESRB and the National Institute on Media and the Family, parents were recommended to pay close attention to the ratings of games.
"With the latest installment of the Grand Theft Auto series... parents need to be reminded to make sure their kids are playing games appropriate for their age and level of maturity,” the statement said.
"It is critical that parents consider the assigned rating carefully."
In 2005, Rockstar came under fire after hackers discovered a normally inaccessible sex “mini game” within Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
Called Hot Coffee, the mini game was never intended to be played by gamers but was unlocked by hackers.
Controversy over Hot Coffee resulted in the title being re-rated in the US for adults only, and games being withdrawn from sale so that stickers with the new rating could be applied.
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Source: redOrbit Staff and Wire Reports/Image IGN.com
Rating: 3.3 / 5 (3 votes)
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