Grand Theft Auto IV delayed to 2008

TTR Dr Payne · 08-02-2007, 11:02 PM

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6176074.html?tag=nl.e577

Grand Theft Auto IV delayed to 2008
[UPDATE] Take-Two pushes back blockbuster to next year, saying "time-intensive" nature of dual-platform development; annual earnings estimate plummets by over $200 million.
By Tor Thorsen, GameSpot
Posted Aug 2, 2007 2:04 pm PT

The overcrowded monkey house that was the 2007 holiday release schedule lost one of its 800-pound gorillas today. Without warning, this afternoon Take-Two Interactive stunned the game industry by announcing it was delaying Grand Theft Auto IV to the second quarter of its 2008 fiscal year, which begins on February 1, 2008. Published by Take-Two subsidiary Rockstar Games, the crime-action title had been slated to ship for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in North America on October 16, 2007.

"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 Take-Two chairman Strauss Zelnick in a statement.

Unsurprisingly, not having GTA IV in its 2007 fiscal-year lineup has put a serious dent in Take-Two's earnings expectations. The company's guidance is now for net revenue of $950 million to $1.0 billion for the 12 months ending October 31, and a loss of $1.25 to $1.35 per share. That figure is over $200 million lower than prior estimates of $1.2 billion to $1.25 billion in annual revenue--which would have been "break even results" according to the company's second-quarter earnings statement. With the AO-rated Manhunt 2 on indefinite hold, Take-Two now expects net revenue between $275 million to $300 million for its fourth fiscal quarter, with a net loss of $0.05 to $0.10 per share.

"Obviously, we are very disappointed to reduce guidance after having previously reaffirmed it," said Take-Two CEO Ben Feder. "Other than a matter of timing, the movement of Grand Theft Auto IV does not compromise Take-Two in any way. We are in sound financial condition and have a great product lineup."

Xaim · 08-02-2007, 11:06 PM

Ah crap, can't help but feel gutted over this one. But if were honest im sure this announcement has been in the back of our minds - especially with the lack of any gameplay footage just months before the original planned release date.

Oh well im sure we'd be more disappointed if they rushed out a poor game instead.

paintba||er · 08-02-2007, 11:25 PM

Damnit, everything I'm looking forward to always gets delayed.

On a side note: Holy crap, Xaim replied to a thread.

TTR Dr Payne · 08-02-2007, 11:36 PM

lol i know! i was thinkin the same thing when i saw his name!

IllBashU · 08-02-2007, 11:37 PM

meh, i dont care about this but xaim repiled

the world is going to end!

Enzo · 08-03-2007, 11:25 AM

They do that with like every..Grand Theft Auto.

Plissken 87 · 08-03-2007, 08:16 PM

just as i was starting to grow to like this brand of game probly jyxnd it sorry guys lol

Enzo · 08-03-2007, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plissken 87

just as i was starting to grow to like this brand of game probly jyxnd it sorry guys lol

Congratulations on becoming a Senior Member.:p (I am going to kill you now)

Plissken 87 · 08-03-2007, 08:22 PM

I no am feeling good now

Rabid_Toaster · 08-09-2007, 06:05 AM

thats annoying...but at least that gives them more time to fine tune it

Enzo · 08-09-2007, 06:29 AM

Apparently it was the PS3's fault why it was delayed.

Plissken 87 · 08-09-2007, 08:55 PM

Why what did ps3 do?

paintba||er · 08-09-2007, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plissken 87

Why what did ps3 do?

Some people have said that it is harder to program for and even though Rock☆ has said nothing about it being the PS3's fault they assume it is because of that reason.