No, Seriously: Microsoft in GTA IV Panic

Gameplayer are reporting that Microsoft has teamed up with Australian retailer Harvey Norman to offer a GTA IV - Xbox 360 Elite deal which they offer as further proof to back up last week's article on the company's alleged panic regarding the game's effect on console sales.

[sonarus]

i don't think they are really in a panic but it is safe to say msoft needs GTA4 more than PS3 does and they are acting accordingly

[The Wood]

this is business and MS is doing what they feel they need to do.

[LaChance]

yep.Its as simple as that.
Of course they need GTA4 more than the ps3 needs it.
Tell me any other way to gain some MAJOR market share ?
The only ones talking about "panic" are the people who dont have any knowledge whtsoever when it comes down to selling things rather than yapping about companies panicking because they are doing special offers or whatever.

[ATLRoAcH]

I think GT5 prologue is a factor for panic too because its a Billion Dollar franchise that sells amazingly well and is exclusive.Theres a lot of people who are GT fans that will step up to PS3 for it.Then you counter in GTA IV and even DS3 and thats a good bit of April cash.I do think however that GTA IV will sell more on 360 but I don't think it will push the console sells like they're hoping for.Really I could care less because by the end of April I'll have GT5 prologue, a Dualshock 3, and Grand Theft Auto IV.So I'll be happy anyway. We'll see what happens.

[sonarus]

exactly Atl roach. I don't think GTA4 will be the system seller msoft wants it to be. Don't get me wrong 17mill 360's in the market will give them software sales but the hardware boost won't be as great as msoft wants.
They have been in a slump in EU so ps3 will almost certainly win this region DLC or not. NA will see a boost on both sides but imo(just guessing here really) i see more new gamers buying ps3's over 360's for that next gen GTA4. GT5 and GTA4 will push ps3's especially in the UK.

Only thing that can change this is a price drop on msoft side. This will give them more of an edge in NA. Msoft doesn't really have a big system seller game this yr. Biggest being gears and i doubt that will be as big a system seller as they are hoping for. (Majority of gears fans already own 360's).

[CrazedFiend]

Take the poll on the right side of the page.

http://gamingconsolenetwork...

[madestar]

i think ps3 needs it more for the win.. it'll be good for them.. i'm gettin' the ps3 version anyways.. i think the control will feel weird on 360.. it's all abou tthe gameplay and feel.. and ps3 fits right

[TheSadTruth]

This is NEWS4GAMERS.COM not EDITORIALS4GAMERS, keep your bullshi* opinions out of news submissions and keep this site clean of fanboy bullshi*

[le killer]

how does sony not need gta?? come on seriously! you people should listen to yourselves! gt and metal gear are'nt gonna shift the 8 million consoles needed to catch microsoft. not by a long shot! gta is super important to both companies, and will shift hardware for both platform holders!

how many consoles do you think it would sell if it was still exclusive to sony????????? that's rite, it would sell container loads, and all the little fanboys that dwell on here would be loving it! are sony desperate because they are doing a metal gear pack, or a gt pack? nope ofcourse they're not. they're master business men, and captains of industry. but when microsoft offer a pack with what was once in the top three of sonys strongest third party games. they're desperate, and panacking!! lol

[Danja]

I dont think you understand what the other guys meant when they said Sony doesn't need GTA4 as much as MS does..

MSG4 is a month after GTA4...what other big game does the 360 has...other than GeOW2..which is way in November..? Too Human..Fable 2..?they'll probably turn out great but there not system sellers

The PS3 has GT5p..which will move alot of Hardware especially in EU..already have over 1 mill pre-orders...then MGS4...which will be huge no way around that...so GTA4 is more important for the 360 than it really is for the PS3 this time around....and alot of ppl i know will be getting a PS3 for GTA4 cuz they dont know it's coming out on the 360...

[le killer]

i undertsand perfectly clear mate. metal gear, gt or not, sony needs gta! to try and spin it otherwise is bs.

would people be saying it if it was exclusive to ps3? ofcourse not! it's a massive franchise! and was no doubt responsible for shifting alot of ps2s last gen. and if it was exclusive to either platform, it would be a huge system seller! come on now, this aint devil may cry we're talking about!

[Danja]

ok fair enough point....but no where did anyone say that Sony doesn't need GTA4...just that MS needs GTA4 more than the Sony because it's the only game which can carry the 360 over until summer , where as the PS3 has GT5p + MGS4 + Haze....

So this time around GTA4 isn't as important as GTA3 was for the PS2 ..im sure it will move alot of hardware but as you said it's not exlcusive ne more and alot of ppl will buy a PS3 just becuz GTA series is associated with the PS brand...M$ knows that so that puts them in a tough situation to try and convert those ppl....which for the most part they wont...and DLC isn't a big deal as MS is making it out to be cuz both system gets the same game on day one..then after a couple months the 360 gets DLC....do you think ppl will really care that much for DLC when they have GeOW2 to look forward on the 360...?

[le killer]

i see where you are coming from mate. but imo there's only two real ps3 sellers this year, and that's gt and metal gear. i don't think anything else has the appeal to shift hardware! sony should be bothered by gta, and not rest on it's laurels(and they're not taking any chances, by doing a bundle for both mgs and gt, they're trying their hardest to shirt consoles!), because as i said in an earlier post, combined mgs and gt still are'nt gonna shift the 8 mil needed to catch up!

will dlc content sway people?? i can't answer that, and am not sure myself! i think a determining factor will be how it's marketed from here on in.

now microsoft has pretty much established itself, loads of games, and a great on-line service. it now has price on it's side to boot. sony should be doing everything possible to close the gap. because i think microsft has those things (software library, live and price) which will help maintain a healthy lead over sony....for a good year atleast!

[Danja]

well I think GT5p will push alot of PS3 hardware expecially in EU.

MGS4 well thats already a given system seller

and I think ppl are forgetting about LBP..not saying it's a system seller but it could turn out to be one

but GTA4 alone wont help the 360 to stay ahead of the PS3 for another year and yes MS currently has the bigger game library but they need to have a diverse game library that can appeal to everyone which they dont really have at this point..and Sony will not just sit back and let MS have a price advantage I say around MGS4 or GTA4 release they'll probably slash $50 off the PS3 or sumthing ...either way i'll be enjoying GTA4....

[le killer]

diverse??? what and the ps3 has? just look at the ps3s games... they're all fps/tps/action/sports sims and driving games...with the exception of ratchet and clank the only platformer! both systems off the same thing. except there' more rpg's and rts games on the 360.

the ps3 offers nothing more to a gamer other than it's exclusives! i'm not mentioning blu-ray because it's not a game, and we're not discussing video playback!

[Danja]

hmm someone;s getting a lil defensive..I dont see where in my post did I mentuion about the PS3 having a more diverse software library over the 360...??

The 360 does not appeal to CASUALS...look at the sales of "Arcade'..yeah the 360 has more JRPG's 'For Now'..but there not selling that well on the system besides they dont have that FF punch to it so the masses dont catch on..

ne who GTA4 will help the PS3 more than it will the 360..and I wouldn't be surprised if the next GTA game is a timed exclusive for the PS3...

[The Killer]

even if u buy the arcade its still more expansive than ps3 if u consider 3 years of XBOX LIVE!!

i think sony dont need a price cut, bundles will help sales a lot, or 50$ price drop wont hurt too much and will help sales in this spring/summer!

[power of Green]

MSFT is known to market the sh8t out of blockbusters lol. Sure they wan't to grab some PS folks. We'll see Alan Wake gum, Too Human socks, Gow 2 underwear.

I think anti MSFT people will spin anything at this point.

[MrWonderful]

yeah they are in their office in a panic because they know that many will buy a 40gb ps3 for this.

Chuck~

[Denges]

wow you talk alot....

are you this angry is real life?

think someone needs a hug!

/hugs POG

[power of Green]

As if MSFT isn't going to be speaking to the hardcore casual trend GTA fans, I don't think MSFT thinks they'll win over hardcore PS3 fanboys just the casual gamers that happen to be hardcore GTA fans.

Many PS2 owners are not people like you they're the same folks buying the Wii they're trend casual consumers.

PS3 would be finished if MSFT drops the price in the US.

[pwnmaster3000]

enough with that ps3 would over in america if micro drop the price. what well happen if sony dropped the price of the ps3 in europe and japan tell me then what well happen to your mighty 360 and please hella xbot were like ps3 is dead in europe now with the price cut, but look what happen

[ruibing]

If you're point is that MS has a very solid marketing division, then I agree with you. Sony is improving in that area; we'll see Sony's marketing in full gear near the end of May.

[power of Green]

Hope you folks are dissagreeing with the last part of my post. MSFT is going to market the sh*t out of the game regardless of PS3. They do this knowing they can make a killing on highly anticipated titles. They do it with every huge title for their platform. MSFT has all kinds of 3rd party underground marketing PS3 fanboys are probably not even aware of.

Look at how rabid you guys are, how can somebody get this kind of response for saying MSFT markets every game thats big" not just GTA!. MSFT turns huge title releases into hollidays thats a fact make all the excuses you wan't. Patcher said Xbox will sell 6 million copies and PS3 will sell 3 million, I doubt Sony will push more consoles considering by the time we get to these numbers the episodic content will be released.

[Phil Harrison Mkllll]

'NON-POWER of RED' more like!!! ;-D
RRoD
RRoD
RRoD
RRoD
(LOVE SAYING THAT!) ;-D
Panic!Micro$oft!Your Ship is Sinking!Grab your Lifeboats!
(Cue JAWS Music) ;-D

[gambare]

It's me or your fanboyism is worse than ever? now you post crap in every story that has something bad against the 360 or something good in favor the PS3

"MSFT turns huge title releases into hollidays thats a fact make all the excuses you wan't"

I mean, holidays in April? damn!

[ATLRoAcH]

...is strong enough in the rest of the world to stick around until North America picks up on it.

[AllroundGamer]

still banned from the Gamer Zone eh? :D cry baby cry...

[Homicide]

Bots: PS3 will be dead when Halo 3 comes out.

WRONG!

Bots: PS3 will be dead Holiday season.

WRONG!

Bots: PS3 will be beaten in EU with the $100 price cut.

WRONG!

Give it up bots.

[EVOLVED]

PS3 FANBOYS GOT TO ENJOY A LITTLE SALES VICTORY AND NOW THEY KNOW MICROSOFT IS MAKING A VERY SMART MARKETING DECISION. SO IN THERE DISBELIEF OF WHAT IS GOING TO NOCK PS3 BACK DOWN TO (LAST PLACE).

OH YEA YOU ARE IN THIRD PLACE, DO YOU REMEMBER. YOU CAN'T TALK WHEN MICROSOFT HAS OUT WITTED PS3 IN MOST AREAS OF ADVERTISEMENT. SO WHEN THIS HITS IN APRIL YOU PS3 FANS WILL BE SINGING THE LONELY SONG ONCE AGAIN.

THERE IS NO PANIC, HALO 3 SOLD DAMN POP, "POP". HELMETS, SHIRTS, HATS. YOU KNOW WHAT WAS A PANIC THE CHOPPING UP OF THE PS3 TO ACTUAL GET IT TO SELL GOOD.

[Fat Bastard]

Here's a link that some dude in the closed zone or whatever it is posted. Take the poll on the right about GTA4 and see the results of other voters.

http://gamingconsolenetwork...

75% out of 355 said they were buying the PS3 version. What do you say to that? You all know Alan Wake and Too Human won't push new consoles, cause only us gaming nerds who already own a system know about them. And the Gears fans already have a 360 so Gears 2 may not sell as many consoles as desired. But the GT, MGS, Final Fantasy, and God of War series are loved by 120 million PS2 owners. They will sell consoles cause everyone knows about them. And as a side note, I know a lot of people can get GTA but there are a fair amount under 17 who aren't allowed to have a game where you can do all that stuff.

[PStriple703]

Why are they trying so hard...oh i guess cause there's nothing on there sysem worth playing until nov(GOW2)

[Bnet343]

------------------------------ >

[Shadow Man]

Bioshock 2
GTA EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
Mass Effect 2
Gears of war 2
Dead or Alive 5
Alan Wake
Fable 2
Ninga Gaiden 2 (Big in Japan)
Banjo Kazooie 3 (Big in Japan)
Tales of Vesperia (Big in Japan)
Infinite Undiscovery (Big in Japan)
Mobile Ops: The One Year War (Big in Japan)
Magna Carta 2 (Big in Japan)
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction
Project Offset
Killer Instinct 3 (rumor)
Lost Planet: Colonies
New Perfect Dark
Supreme Commander
Legio
Halo Wars
Left 4 Dead
New Lost Odyssey
Huxley
Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath
Theseis
Halo: Chronicles
Too Human
The Crossing
Crackdown 2
Prey 2
Sacred 2: Fallen Angel
Postal III
Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures
Warhound
Jade Empire 2 (rumor)
MechAssault 3 (rumor)
Salvation
Age of Pirates: Captain Blood
Voodoo Nights
Project Progressive
APB
Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath
Cry On
Dead Island
Demons of Mercy
1XR
Dogtag
Dungeon Hero
Shadow Harvest
The Shadow of Aten
Space Chimps
Super Star
Totems
Underwater Wars
Versus Tactical Action
White Gold: War in Paradise

and Thank you :P

[SUP3R]

Shadow Man
you're back with that busted list again?
You still didn't match me the game(s) from the previous post.

[heyheyhey]

oh your back

and look- you've included EVEN more rumored and unconfirmed titles in your list

nicely done my son- but seriously i bet you can't prove to me that these games are in production and that they're exclusivity has been confirmed

heck i bet you could only find proof for 7-9 of them

[Shadow Man]

Yes, I know. This list doesn't match the games from your previous post because my list is better than yours.... except for GT5.

Edit: MAN will you two get of my back! Im trying to have fun here. The same way Sony boys have fun with their RROD jokes.

[ThaToNeKiiDKaBaW]

Take it to the Open Zone Fanboy..

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

That list he put up are ether games that are already out or have an actual chance of being released "THIS YEAR", your PS3 list are "maybe's and might be's" that extend to 2010. Now I'm not saying PS3 ain't got no games comming out, I'm just saying once you take all the rumors and maybe's, it gets kinda "limpy". You can count on most if not all Xbox or Games for Windows games to actualy see the light of day.

[Amanosenpai]

WTF with the list... this isn't the open zone

[boodybandit]

no offense but big in Japan and the 360 go together about as well as peanut butter and mayonaise.

[Alcohog]

No offense Shadow, but that is one sad list to be touting! How much of that is even confirmed for 2008?

[nomad117]

Ya who is up for a game of space chimps.

[Jinxstar]

I am a fan of both consoles Shadow. I have heard of less then half those games.... Totems? Super Star? Underwater Wars? You shouldn't feel the need to list the games. Play what you enjoy man forget what others opinions are. This is a flame bait article. If the list is so long why aren't you playing those titles now if they rock so much? Or the long list of bad ass games the 360 has right now? No need to troll man... Not worth the effort.

[DragonKnight]

You know, taking a look at all the games which you mention in parenthesis that they are "big in Japan"

All I have to say is this.....

Xbox 360 (not big in Japan).

Kind of deflates your list a little bit doesn't it? I mean, not including all the rumours and other B.S. you threw in there.

[xbox3shitty]

@ 2.2
''Ninga Gaiden 2 (Big in Japan)
Banjo Kazooie 3 (Big in Japan)
Tales of Vesperia (Big in Japan)
Infinite Undiscovery (Big in Japan)
Mobile Ops: The One Year War (Big in Japan)
Magna Carta 2 (Big in Japan) ''

did you pull those bigs out of your big butt?!?

[General Pinky]

No, Seriously: Microsoft in GTA IV Panic

What a bull of shi**
come on...cut this out guys...just because GTA will sell more on the 360 does not mean you need to diss it

[sonarus]

who is "you guys"? Gameplayer are from pro ps3, very very far from it in fact.

[boodybandit]

selling systems is. Now how that will play out will be very interesting to watch.

[celticlonewolf]

I really dont see the big deal. What if sony offers some good stuff when mg4 comes out does that mean they be in panic?????? Of course not it just making sure you are taking full advantage of the love people have for a huge game. If this news gets approved then I have to say this site is really hitting the down slope with just fanboy cr@p.

[SlappingOysters]

The manner of the marketing is the issue. Rockstar must be loving it - they haven't done a thing and are getting plenty of advertising.

[pwnmaster3000]

ahhhh of course they are they need gtaIV micro stupid brain thinks it can beat ps3 with this 1 one game. there desperate. Even the U.K store made the ps3 price higher because they know is gonna sell more on the ps3 and make more prophet

edit
hahahahah look at those xbots Sak and Power reporting this hahahahah they cant handle the truth there in the xbot land were 360 is dominating everything

[captainjy]

OMG, stop this bs man. This OP is obviously very scared that GTA 4 on the 360 will completely crush the POS3. It's ok man, it's only a freaking video game. Do us all a favor and get a life. Who really cares about Australia?!?!?

[RedSoakedSponge]

.....a GTA package deal anyway. Microsoft always do, so i dont think its to do with any 'panic' that is being made out.

RSS

[Yi-Long]

... but the Elite here in Holland doesnt come with ANY games, so a nice GTA4 bundle would be most welcome, and a reason for me to pick one up.

Anyway, if Microsoft really wants to win the GTA4 battle, they should just announce that the upcoming exclusive DLC for this game will be FREE!

Personally, I'm just gonna wait for the reviews to come in, and buy whichever version is better.

[Asurastrike]

The difference is, Microsoft needs GTAIV, while Sony has Metal Gear Solid 4, Killzone 2, Resistance 2, and Little Big Planet in the next 6 months.

[Bnet343]

and Microsoft has Fable 2, Gears 2, Halo Wars, Ninja Gaiden 2 in the next 6 months? Both systems have good games coming out in the next 6 months, I don't get what you're trying to say.

Yeah of course MS needs it more, but to say Sony doesn't need it is stupid.

[The Wood]

Both 'need' it its just I feel MS needs it a little more. Is that fair?

[Whoooop]

First... MS needs GTA4 more than SONY there's no denying that.

Also Gears 2 will release in late november (I bet 2009, but that's just me) and that's 9 months not 6.

MS knows their games this year are good but not enough to sell HALO or gears amounts and they also know PS3 exclusives are bound to sell great this year, but more than anything else, they know we have real system movers this year and the next.

They are not in panic, but they are close to it. They need anything they can get to sell more consoles and they are trying to achieve it with GTA4.

They couldn't do it last year with BS, ME and HALO. They might have an idea of their sales this year relying on their last year sales with all those great games and it's not going to be pretty.

That's why they seem to be in panic... They NEED GTA4, but I really doubt it will make a difference.

[RecSpec]

@Kigmal

No offense, but none of those 360 games were reasons people bought their 360's, While KZ2 and MGS4 were reasons people bought their PS3s.

[BlackCoffee]

"The difference is, Microsoft needs GTAIV, while Sony has Metal Gear Solid 4, Killzone 2, Resistance 2, and Little Big Planet in the next 6 months."

Most people seem intent on ignoring Sony's habit of hyping games that are still on the drawing board. Killzone 2 is a great example of what I am referring to here.

Killzone2 is rumoured to be coming out in 2009. LBP remains dateless and although very impressive seems to be a level editor in search of it's game.

Resistance 2 looks very interesting and I will be there on day one buying all of the games you mention.

The Problem I have with your comment is that the only one I think I will be playing in the next six months is MGS4.

[sonarus]

Both games need GTA4 but sony seems very relaxed with the DLC situation. I am pretty sure they have something planned for GTA4 as well. Considering GTA4 will be pushing hardware sales.

I have to say 360 needs it more than ps3 does because they still don't have that "big system seller" for the yr. At least not until gears which will essentially be as much of a system seller for the ps3 as resistance 2 will be.

Msoft is loosing their lead and supply issues or not they are aware of this. Sony has pulled ahead of msoft and despite msoft price drop, still out selling them in that region. However thy have played the right card with the price drop in EU potentially catching low budget gamers who are willing to settle for the low end 360. I think it is a bit foolish for sony not to respond with a price cut in EU by the time GTA4 releases. But like i said they seem confident so hopefully they have a plan

As for coming soon ps3 games, PS3 still has its heavy weight system seller in MGS4. It won't sell anywhere near halo numbers but it will surely give the ps3 a significant boost for at least a month.

[kevoncox]

Are you serious in thinking that R2 will move as many units as GOW2?
Come on you're taking your pro sony biased to fanboy levels...

I don't believe people are actually thinking that MS is desperate.
GTA will probally be the biggest game of the year. It will sell the most units( 4 mill xbox and 3 mil ps3). Why would Ms not show they have the defacto version? I fSony was doing it all of you and your fledglings would be praising sony for their handling of the situation.

This season i's looking more and more likely that the only Pss games are going to be MGS, R2 and GT pro. A solid line up but not very diverse, It sounds alot like the 360 lineup from last year.

I think Ms has a much better lineup this year. I know people like you don't realize that fable is a great Rpg( over hyped but still great),
too human got nothing but praise, NG2 is going to be better than ever and Halo Wars is going to be another 4 million seller. I didn't even menion GOW2 or L4D Starting March it's going to be a solid year for 360.

I don't even have a 360 and i know that MS has crafted a very good lineup. I think Ms has more content while sony bigger names...

NO LBP
NO FF13
NO KZ2
NO GOW3

[sonarus]

lol just wait and see. I am not talking about software sales i am talking about hardware sales. The longer the consoles stay in the market the less impact solid games will have on hardware sales. Msoft can market the sh!t out of gears but at the end of the day i don't see it moving more than resistance 2.

Resistance 2 has a lot going for it as of right now in most people's minds at least it is still the top candidate for shooter of the yr. It still has 60 player online and 8 player coop. That is a lot of value for a game. Gears fans i.e. ppl who bought 360's for gears will buy it as well as a couple of others resistance fans i.e. ppl who bought ps3 for resistance will buy it as well as a couple of others.

Gears may be a lot more popular but to be honest, i will be surprised if it matches the success of the original unless i see something fantastic. The unreal engine does not hold up like it did 2 yrs ago. Toe to toe gears will be standing against killzone 2 and resistance 2 so gears will not just walk away like it did last time.

[zypher]

am i the only one who noticed the $700 price for the Elite 360. i could be wrong (i have a Pro 360), but doesn't the Elite 360 cost something like $480? thats like an additional $200 just for GTA IV. even if it was the Special Edition GTA IV with the duffle bag, it still wouldn't add up to $700. there must be something else to this offer.

[Bnet343]

It's aussie dollars yo

[zypher]

yeah. my bad. i just noticed that. didn't know Australian gamers were paying such a premium for systems.

[InYourMom]

is this site trying to get hit's and thus the reason they are sticking with their sensational headline.

MS already has 50mil. invested in this game and they want to make sure that they advertise it good nothing "panic" about it.

[power of Green]

Each and every day you see them get more nervous getting more and more rabid and out of control as GTA nears.

[SlappingOysters]

If I had 50 million invested in a game and it still didn't look like I would be shipping the majority share of consoles I would be panicing too.

Someone's head will role if this flunks.

[Salvadore]

Microsoft are just marketing the title to their advantage, it's not like they have gone to a point where their first priority is to start false propaganda against the PS3 in their marketing. GTA 4 is one of the most anticipated title this year and both companies are fully aware of this and they also know people are still sitting on the fence to join either camp.

[Meus Renaissance]

Ofcourse Microsoft need to try harder with the marketing of the game on the Xbox 360, its no brainer considering the GTA franchise is seemingly associated with the PlayStation platform. This doesn't however mean by any stretch that Microsoft are in panic over this - but instead are making the best business decisions for their platform that they can.

They spent an estimated $10million in advertisement for Halo 3 and some were echoing that this was a desperate move to milk the franchise. But guess what - they made 30 times that amount ($300million) in the first week alone last summer.

The attempt to make peace with one of the largest retailers in Australia seems logical and intelligent if it ensures mass profits for them in the long-term.

You're all making it seem like Microsoft are selling the console and game for $50. Why are people so eager to sanitize them? It suggests insecurity.

[tatotiburon]

since when good marketing is been in panic??, Microsoft is the king of marketing, see halo 3 in launch day, that was amazing and the results? the biggest selling game of this gen. If Sony doesn't make any marketing around GTAIV doesn't mean that microsoft is in panic.

[SlappingOysters]

That was the point of the first article anyway. Good marketing would be doing something to attract the casual user, Bad Marketing is selling the game to an audience that is already converted (by pushing DLC and MPs).

Now they are just marketing in panic offering free stuff to anyone who will sign up.

good marketing my a$$

[THC CELL]

haha u no what i would love

Rock star leeds aka psp and play station loyal dev team to bring out GTA 4 stories just to counter this xbox dlc scam lol i really feel it will happen

Gta 5 will be exclusive to ps3

April 29th till may we will be seen loads of players running out just to by a ps3 and play this game safe cause there x box keeps red lights flicking and crashing and lagging online

Ps3 will win with the Gta series
GTA Born and bread on a sony console and pc

[Bnet343]

lol GTA was born on Windows FYI

[THC CELL]

The Grand Theft Auto series may be divided into canons, based on the inclusion of a numbering after the recognizable title name (e.g. Grand Theft Auto III) after the original Grand Theft Auto's release, and to a certain extent, the type of graphics engine used. For further information on each title, see their respective articles.
Auto III brought the series into a 3D The original Grand Theft Auto.

Grand Theft Auto, the first title in the GTA series was released for DOS, Microsoft Windows and PlayStation in 1997/1998.[4] The game is set in three different fictional cities, Liberty City, Vice City and San Andreas. A reduced Game Boy Color port was later released, and subsequently two expansion packs were offered, set in London.

The second game in the series, Grand Theft Auto 2, was developed for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation and Dreamcast and released in 1999. Set in the indeterminable future,[5] it featured updated graphics and somewhat different gameplay based upon the player's appeal to various criminal organizations. A reduced Game Boy Color port was also produced.

Grand Theft Auto III was released in October 2001. The game's setting takes place in fictional Liberty City, which was based on New York City, around October 2001.[6] Grand Theft Auto III brought a third-person view to the series, rather than the traditional top-down view of earlier titles (although the view is still made available as an optional camera angle). Graphics were also updated with a new 3D game engine. While not the first of its kind, the gameplay engine expanded the explorable world of GTA III, doing away with a traditional game structure where the player faces a "boss" at the end of the level and moves onto a new level, opting instead for more realistic mission-based approach. Multiplayer was discarded (third party mods were later released, allowing for multiplayer gameplay), but GTA III improved in many other areas such as voice-acting and storyline (in previous GTAs, there was speech only in short animated cut scenes between levels, other communication was simply subtitles running on the bottom of the screen). Pop culture also is cemented into GTA III, drawing many aspects and ideas from popular films and shows such as Scarface, Goodfellas, and The Godfather.
Grand Theft Auto III sold very well and became the first blockbuster game in the series, setting the precedent for subsequent GTA titles to be very successful. GTA III also attracted heavy criticism for its violence against police and its indifference to innocent bystanders, making future games in the GTA series synonymous with violence.

After the success of Grand Theft Auto III, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was released in 2002. This game was set in 1986 in Vice City, which was based on Miami. Vice City was also the first game to introduce fully functional flying vehicles that could be used by the player, such as sea planes and helicopters. Influences for the game included movies such as Scarface, Carlito's Way and the TV series Miami Vice.[citation needed] In fact, the entire basic storyline of the game is an homage to Scarface, including the climactic gun-fight in the main character's mansion at the end.[citation needed]

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, released in October 2004, had its setting in the early '90s, focusing on California gang life and the awakening of the drug epidemic brought on by crack cocaine. The setting was in the fictional state of San Andreas, which was based on some California and Nevada cities, specifically Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.

San Andreas also attracted controversy when a sex minigame that was cut from the game, but remained in the game code, was discovered in both the console and PC versions of the game. Dubbed the Hot Coffee mod, the minigame allowed players to have sex with the players girlfriends in the game. As a result, GTA: San Andreas was pulled from a number of retail outlets and was re-rated from "M" (Mature) to "AO" (Adults Only) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB); the first game in the series to be given an AO rating. Rockstar has since released an edited version of the game for the PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 2, and has reclaimed the "M" rating.

Grand Theft Auto Advance was also released in 2004. Originally developed to be a top-down conversion of GTA III for the Game Boy Advance, it ended up becoming its own completely original adventure, set roughly a year before Grand Theft Auto III[citation needed]. Unlike the Game Boy ports of I and II, Grand Theft Auto Advance did not tone down the excessive violence and adult dialog common to the GTA series. The game received an "M" rating from the ESRB.

In 2005 and 2006, Rockstar released two games for the PlayStation Portable: Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories respectively. Liberty City Stories is a GTA III prequel set in 1998's Liberty City. A PlayStation 2 port was released by Rockstar on June 6, 2006. Vice City Stories was released on October 31, 2006 and set in 1984 Vice City, two years before the events in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. A PlayStation 2 port was released for this game on March 6, 2007.

[ReBurn]

Why do people always assume that Microsoft is in a panic?

[Meus Renaissance]

How'd you get 10 Bubbles so damn quickly? :D

Welcome to the gentlemen's club.

[Whoooop]

Just like people assumed the PS3 was a failure.

:)

[ReBurn]

Yeah, I know what you mean about Sony. I have to admit that until the 40gb came along I was having my doubts about the PS3, even though I own a 60gb model.

But honestly, Microsoft shouldn't be in a panic. The 360 has been on the market for nearly 2 and a half years, so a price drop or heavy promotion isn't a sign of weakness as much as it is a sign of age.

At least that's how I feel about it.

[actas123]

Panic... no, good and aggressive marketing.. yes. I tell ya Sony is gotta do some ads for this game as well otherwise they'll lose lots of customers.

[SUP3R]

The thought ran through my head today.
I haven't seen any serious game marketing since Uncharted was released.
GT5:P is almost upon us and there is still not a peep coming from Sony.

The thing about it is, if Sony were to do advertising for GTAIV they wouldn't need to do half of the crazy marketing as Microsoft.
Just stating something simple like, "GTA4 better on Blu-Ray" and that's it. It's so effective I just typed it and I'm like "damn it really does sound better" lol.

I guess they're waiting til' GT5:P is almost ready for launch before they start their ad campaign.

[Shaka2K6]

LMAO some stupid dlc nobody cares about aint gonna prevent PS3 from destroying the 3fxime all year long.

GTA4 best on PS3 confirmed already by ign to have better graphics thanks to the most powerfull GPU in the world RSX, faster load times thanks to Blu-ray and HDD in every PS3 and superior gameplay thanks to the most comfortable controler in the history of gaming.

the fact is GTA is a Sony PS franchise, its gonna sell millions of PS3s around the world amd without a doubt totally outsell the inferior xbug 3fixme version.

[Covenant]

I don't think they're in "panic mode" over GTAIV...but don't be surprised if they cut the price of the system in North America before the game launches.

A cheaper console, coupled with exclusive content, could give them the edge. This is the first time that a GTA game--a franchise traditionally associated with Playstation systems--has launched day and date on a Xbox console alongside the PS version.

Making sure that people know that, along with giving them an incentive to choose the 360 over the PS3 has to be a high priority for them.

[meepmoopmeep]

it's not panic. they're just getting a bundle out. but it's true that ms is has put a LOT of eggs in the GTA basket.

[Angelitos]

What I dont understand, is that MS sais that the true experience is on the 360 version. The extra content is just going to be side missions, how is that the true experience? It doesm't affect at all, to complete the game.

[Goodfella78]

So they should be,most of the gta series go together with sony consoles like,eggs n ham,or cheese n onion,and jam n bread,also cheech and chong.peace out.....

[Whoooop]

HALO, MASS EFFECT AND BIOSHOCK.....

all the same year, all 90+ average and STILL, couldn't outsell the PS3..

What do you think a multiplatform game will do??... a game which was practically made by the Playstation brand.

Really.. what do you guys think this game will do for the 360??

[Bill Gates]

Today I understood why MS is in a panic. Three of my friends purchased PS3's today because they caught wind that the new GTA4 was coming out next month, and since immediately associate the series with the PS brand than they knew which system they were getting.

Sucked for me as I had to go to each one of their homes and help them set it up. I'm a tech noob, but they're much worse.

[CaliGamer]

MGS4 comes out right after this for the PS3, so I think MS wants to shore up some business before that happens. Perhaps by having incentives they might get those people who are not HardCore.

MGS4 will be crazy and MS knows it, this is the only huge game coming out on their system in the next few months so they must feel like they have to milk this one for all it's worth. We'll see how they do I guess.

[iamtehpwn]

Microsoft is so scared of PS3 dominating them that they spending like crazy. The Fact is, PS3 will over take 360 by 2009 when it hits $299, and MGS4 and FFXIII hit.

[kevoncox]

Great the 360 would only be 4 years old and the genration will be half over for the ps3! Congrats! Party Sony party!

[Cupid_Viper_3]

you're funny man, i gotta give you that. begining of 09 ms will consider themselves really lucky if they reach 26 million units sold, and that is just matching their previous install base.

secondly, don't fool yourself with such wishfull thinking, when the ps2 is outselling the ps3, and especially the 3yr old 360 in its own territory, it translate to 1 of 2 things ONLY.
1) the so called "next gen" haven't started yet, or more reasonably in its very begining, (which means that the 360 fail to start it, since they were first).
2) or based on your logic, it will really be half over for the 360,and not the ps3. want proof? ok, tell me what console out there, from ps2, ps3, wii that didn't outsell the 360 in 2007? exactly my friend......

i mean, the investors and developers and big names out there look at charts and trends. and to someone with knowledge in the industry, they know that based on trends and figures the 360 will surpass it, but by a questionable margin, and given that you had a year headstart, that doesn't really strike them as UNTAPPED POTENTIAL, it comes squarrely as POTENTIAL MATCHED and SLOW GROWTH from there on.

now if the ps3 does the same as the 360, the same can be said, and the industry will look at it as such that next gen hasn't really started or is still in its infancy. But if the ps3 matches its sales for the previous year, and even surpasses it, then you're left with one conclusion, the 360 has simply fail to reach beyond its previous fanbase. and that my friend, is what ms is really fighting with gta, the game can potentially be for the 360 what WB was for HD DVD, a fatal wound, and to somehow sit here and assume that ms is not NERVOUS in the LEAST is just pure IGNORANCE from some of you, so i dont blame ya'll.

i mean $50 million, is what we know, what we dont know is why or how much did it take to get GTA to go multiplat in the first place.... GET IT?

[Clinton514]

GTA IV is huge but I don't think it'll be a deciding factor for PS3 or 360 in the final outcome of the "console war".

It's a little obvious that it'll sell more on the 360 simply because of the install base. I feel MS is throwing too much into the game expecting it to do what people claim it did for the PS2. It's multiplatform this time and won't sway anyone either way. DLC is for the hardcore and casuals don't even care and possibly don't even know about it.

Just like last generation, there's much more than one game that determines the outcome.

[demolitionX]

but but but halo, mass... mass effect, bio...bioshock! POOR M$!

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

With all the articles that keep popping up like this, it's becoming more and more obvious that it's the Sony side that's realy in a panic. Every week we see somthing on the Sony side with some sort of rebuttal to the DLC that MS has on the 360. Most of all the ads you see and all the hype is more on the 360 side. Sony knows this and so does it's hardcore, thats why they are spending so much time debunking everything surrounding the 360 and it's $50 million in game sized DLC.

[Clinton514]

Since when do a bunch of random internet fankids represent companies? And who exactly is trying to debunk what? MS spent an assload of money and there's nothing to debate about there.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Don't tell me, tell that to the "panicked" that wrote this article and the 400 others like it, and tell that to all those who comment here and over at Joystiq, Kotaku, Destructoid, or Gametrailers. 360 owners are grinning from ear to ear witgh the GTA4 content they get, it's the PS3 owners who are bitter because they think GTA is a Playstation brand that they lost. You win some you lose some, you won Haze but we gained DMC4 and GTA4.

[Clinton514]

I'm a gamer. A gamer who owns and plays on all platforms.

Now ask me about preference and I'll tell you what I PREFER.

ps. Are you insinuating that Sony is writing these articles, because that would be funny.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

But many of these articles that come have a clear bias and you know it. Not to mention little mags out there names PSM and OXM that get those paychecks for the system they write for. What do you realy think every article or bit of news is writen by a unbiased source with no agenda? thats a bit nieve don't you think? Is Sony in a panic? absolutly they are, because they lost one of the biggest exclusive titles in any console generation and... the competition has $50 million in game sized content that Sony "doesn't".

[CaliGamer]

But this site isn't that important, as a matter of fact the discussions on this site are only important to the few people that frequent this sorts of thing and we aren't representative of the general population.

I can also tell that you didn't read the whole article and just went into defense mode because at the end it clearly shows the person that wrote this article isn't a "SONY FANATIC". He clearly refers to Sony displaying it's "old arrogance" in the face of MS's push to sell copies of GTA4.

I doubt any Sony fan is panicked right now, it's not like GTA4 is a 360 exclusive, now MGS4 comes out right after the GTA4 release, and that is something for the 360 to panic about and MS knows it.

If GTA4 were an exclusive it would be another story but not only do PS3 owners get GTA4, right after they get what is arguably one of the most iconic series in gaming history called MGS4, and all this during the summer which is traditionally a slow time for gaming. That double blow has got to hurt like a kick to the privates followed by a knee to the face. OUCH!

[JD_Shadow]

Well, there's your god damned problem right there.

If you seriously believe THAT, then you'll believe anything Microsoft spewed this year so far.

Again, mentioning that? There's your problem right there.

[waldopepper]

Bundling the most anticipated game of this generation of consoles isn't panicking, it's common sense marketing (regardless of whether the title is exclusive or not).

PS just noticed that Sony has a PS3 bundle with Rock Band - OMG they're also totally panicking now!

Seriously stupid article.

[Clinton514]

that the article is pretty absurd and baseless in it's claim of "panic".

[sleepbox]

Madden is associated with the PS family

[Lord Vader]

These articles will be even funnier if M$ sells more copies of GTA IV than Sony in their "panic"....

I see good marketing schemes from Micro. I imagine that's what developers see as well. I definately applaud M$ for getting behind games, supporting developers, & grabbing demos, exclusives, & dlc.

IMHO, Sony could learn alittle bit from Micro in those departments = I might have had more games to play for my PS3 last year.

Edit for the disagrees: lol, you think R* doesnt appreciate money, support tools, free adverts, or console attatch rates, ...or any other developer for that matter ???

[SlappingOysters]

it's about consoles sold, not copies... what is not obvious about that exactly?

[SlappingOysters]

it is what the article is about

Seriously, this site is so full of people sprouting out their 'wisdom' on articles they never read. Or they do read but are too young to actually understand what is being said

[SUP3R]

How can they offer this deal if there's a "shortage"?
There aren't enough consoles to supply the expected demand.

[Clinton514]

Which I did mention a week back. MS may have been creating their own "shortage" by stock piling their consoles for GTA. Someone called my comment nonsense and we'll see in a few weeks whether my theory was right or not. ;)

link to the "nonsense" lol
http://www.n4g.com/NewsCom-...

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Damn Droids sure are bitter about losing the GTA franchise. SDF in a real panic to spin what Xbots get that they don't. MS payed $50 million for the GTA franchise, Sony should have been paying attention instead of pushing Blu.

[pwnmaster3000]

they paid 50 million for dlc not the whole franchise

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Enjoy your "possibly" last GTA, that is of course if the guys over at Rockstar wan't to give up those MS bought yachts and sports cars. If anything you guys will just get the main title from this point on, but all the extras that keep it going are and will remain Xbox exclusive. You know that BIG exclusive content that Sony just ain't gettin?

Chew on that for a while.

[SUP3R]

LOL
Whatever you say Nostradamus.
We'll see how much your "exclusive content" helps your console at the end of 2008.
Weren't you the same bots that said, "it's about the games"?
Where are your games in 2008?

[heyheyhey]

M$ has done a good job of softening the blow of the inevitable switch from PS2 to PS3 many gamers will undertake because of the brand recognition, loyalty and knowledge about sequels to all their favorite PS2 games

however i haven't seen a single advert with details about the exclusive content in the UK

it just says GTA4 is coming to PS3 and 360 in most stores- the casuals aren't aware of the content

[Xbox is the BEST]

But but but Lair, Heavenly Sword, R&C, UT3! Poor Fony

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

They have still yet to get any GOTY contender. Here it is spring 08 and they are still "waiting" for those promises. Hell by this time we were playing GRAW, Oblivion, Gears, Rainbow, Splinter Cell, Madden, Prey, Battlefield, Saints Row, FEAR, Call of Duty 2/3 and Far Cry just to name a few. Their best rated game so far is a 3yr old Xbox port Ninja Gaiden Sigma, that they still didn't buy, WTF?

[Whoooop]

bu bu but but... The PS3 outsold the 360 with Lair, Heavenly Sword, R&C, UT3!

[pwnmaster3000]

but ay they all look better then any 360 exclusive

imean look at all the 360 exclusive games all look the same and. every 360 exclusive game looses to ps3 exclusive game
example.
bioshock water effects and graphic got beat by uncharted
mass effect graphic and animation got beat by uncharted and heavenly
fortza got beat by gt5
halo 3 got beaten by every ps3 game graphically
see my point

[SUP3R]

You guys are sucking off 2007 so much his ballz are turning to dust.
So if you guys had all that in '07, wtf is going on in '08???
Where's the consistency?
Playstation's lineup so far is already huge in '08 and we're already getting announcements for early 09 titles.
Again I ask, where's the 360's consistency to follow up '07?

[Xbox is the BEST]

the facts All those PS games are average. And if they were on the 360 they would look better. Did you noticed that Developers don't have to defend the 360 saying how much power their using like the PS3?

[Whoooop]

because the power of the 360 is already maxed out... that's why developers don't say sh*t about it.

bu bu but but... we were supposed to outsell the PS3... what's happening???

:(

[Xbox is the BEST]

Were's the official source that PS#3 outsold the 360? That's right it's from Sony. The 360 is far from being maxed out please put down that crack pipe.

[sleepyk]

actually, the 360 has maxed out its potential.

[n to the b]

that was an awesome comeback Jason 360

[Shadow Man]

But but but The eye of judgment, Genji, Resistance: Fall of Man! Poor Sony boys.

[hamsterfist]

While Genji did suck, Resistance is a pretty decent game. Go over to a friends house and play it sometime. RFoM2 will also rock out with it's c0ck out.

[Chuk5]

Ms needs gta4 but sony needs it too.
MS has made key victories such as getting it to launch the same day , being the lead console version, and dlc while gta matured on sony which actually is a strong factor but at the end of the day gta4 360 will sell more non-biased just logic and fact. And to all the sony fanboys here don't say "oh, MS has nothing coming out thats y they re marketing so hard for gta iv while we also have Lbp,mgs4,resistance2,ff13,and gt5." Fable 2 ,ng2,alan wake, banjo 3 , gow2 are also coming out.The fact people our such fanboys they dont like to see another system shine
X360 + ps3 = <3 world peace!!

[Hydrollex]

Yes ! For right now the PS3 version wins due to better graphics and smoother FPS.

maybe next year DLCs help the 360

[GiantEnemyCrab]

these liars are like plagues. They need to eradicated.
The POS3 is struggling on this game and you will see when you get your choppy framerate and broken multiplayer. I wonder how many patches it will take before the game is on the level of the 360. The game was started on 360 and it is the lead platform and I'm sure you are at least smart enough to know how most multiplatfrom games turn out for the CRAPSTATION (tm)?

I see a washed out color jag fest in your GTA future fishheads! Right before you get slapped with crap DLC(or none) while the Xbox 360 get's the royal treatment of episodic content.

[tomfoolery]

thank you so much for caring about our articles and system(360).
Your enthusiasm and vigor(rabidness) only leads me to believe that us 360 owners are most definitely going to have yet another stellar year.............and smoke your systems software!
Dank you.......dank you berry much.

Us 360 owners appreciate all of your efforts.
Please continue your SDF support of MS products, here in wonderful N4G land.

Great headline on this story............I love the panic part.

It's hard to find comedy of this caliber elsewhere on the net.
The Sony fanboy jealousy mounts.

tom

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

They are already having a hard enough time with the "waiting" for every damn thing.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

doesn't have to panic, they got GTA IV all wrapped up and they've been working with R* since the game was in early development. This game is going to kill the CRAPSTATION (tm) and that is why the fishheads are so rabid in these articles. It's not a matter of if this will sell more software and 360's than the PS3rd but by how many. So many bitter fishheads its funny to read their comments.
Fony lost another franchise and now it can flourish with a solid online as well as single player game. If this stayed on the POS3 we wouldn't even be talking about online MP in GTA and we would be waiting until 2010 to play the game.

When is that GTA movie coming out? I'm sure the POS3 would kill in Poo-ray GTA movie sales.

[Bathyj]

This is funny for a couple of reasons.

First Harvey Normal is the shop where their XB has RROD'd 7 out of 10 times I go in there. Seriously. If you've heard me mention RROD in a shop, that was there. A bit irrelevant I know, but funny.

Seconded, no one goes to Harvey Norman for games. Everything is always retail price, they dont pricematch and they mainly sell furniture, whitegoods, electronics. They sell a bit of everything and no one know much about any of it.

Third, and this is the funniest, for 50 bucks cheaper than that deal HN has a PS3 bundle with your choice of one of four games, so in essence you could get a PS3, Resistance and GTA4 for $50 more than an Elite an GTA4. I know which one most casuals would get.

[wageslave]

gameplayer.co.uk is a playstation zealot site.

When Sony makes a MGS4 bundle, N4G thinks its a great move.

When a rumour of MS making a GTA4 bundle, we get stories calling it a "panic".

sad.

[Skaterboy Tell Em]

Its a great move by sony because mgs4 is a ps3 exclusive,MS are marketing a multiplatform (gta4) game as if it were exclusive to xbox, thats why its a "panic".Also ms's game linup this year is complete and utter crap,so i guess it really is a panic because they have nothing until geow comes out in november.They advertisment wont do any good anyway because gta is a playstation franchise and more people will buy ps3's for it than xbox's and theres nothing ms can do about it.

[Ogrekiller]

Crap? Tell that to Fable 2, Ninja Gaiden 2 and Gears 2.

[Skaterboy Tell Em]

yes i said the word "crap" fable 2 lol= crap ninja gaiden 2=ng sigma with different story and more blood,and why is GEow so popular again oh i forgot all graphics no gameplay which = same gameplay,updated graphics and same 4 vs 4 online for part 2 lol. Great lineup you got there.

[Bon Scott]

but one has to admit,Microsoft pulled all the stops out this gen.
I'm going to be Mcluvin me some downloadable GTA4 content on my 360.
What agreat time to buy a 360 with the price cuts coming and all.
HeyGiantEnemyCrab.
If you don't mind me askin,why do you call PS3 fanboys fishheads?

[Whoooop]

bu bu but but we had the best line-up in gaming history in 2007....

bu bu but but wat happened???? bu but but... I don't know

bu but but the PS3 outsold the 360 in 2007 with Lair, warhawk, HS & Folklore?... bu but but what happened???

bu bu but but... ALRIGHT this year we have................. oh wait............ oh yeah we have............... bu but GEARSSSS 2 haaaa haaaaaaa we have GEARSSSSSS.

bu but but PS3 will still outsell the 360 this year even more....
bu but but what happened???

bu bu but but... haaaaaa HALO 5 will come in 2009 HAAAAA That's right SONY DROIDSSSSS...

bu but but PS3 will outsell the 360 again next year..... what happened???

:(

[aiphanes]

Sure they have the MGS4 in June...but come on Sony is not stupid either...if microsoft come correct with a price drop...which they need too..The Xbox 360 is really too expensive compared to the PS3....then Sony will follow suit.

Look for $50 price drops for both console in April....Remember the PS3 has a bluray player and wifi built in, 20 GB more Harddisc space along with bluetooth 2.0, and easy to upgrade industry standard 2.5 inch SATA drive...for $50 more than a Xbox 360 premium.....if sony came correct and included GTA4 into the 40 GB ps3...its curtains for the Xbox 360....or even go deeper and drop the price of the PS3 to $349 and included the dualshock 3, and GTA4.....why would anybody even buy a Xbox 360 after this move with GT5 prologue and MGS4 in less than 2 months.....

Killzone 2 will be out this year....by the way...

[Official General]

I think the writer of this article is going a little overboard and I would not say that Microsoft are in an actual panic over GTA 4. I believe the game will sell greatly on both consoles. Maybe the PS3 will sell more consoles because of GTA 4, with 360 selling more copies due to it's 1 year head-start of a larger install base. I personally think MS are just more so excited and hyped about the game that they have acted quite over-zealous in their attempts to compete the 360 version with the PS3 version and I give my reasons:

* MS keep going on and on forever about the episodic DLC on the 360 version, like it's the Second Coming and the ONLY major thing the 360 has to look forward to this year. Yes it's a great bonus for 360 owners to have it exclusive, but it does'nt mean that the 360 will be the best console to buy this year because of some DLC on a multi-plat game. The GTA 4 whole main story and game will still be exactly the same on both consoles, which is the most important thing. Besides there is still the strong possiblity that a great many casual gamers out there may not be aware or may not even care about DLC. It has even been hinted in an Rockstar interview with Sam Houser that the 360 episodic DLC may just be some side missions with a slightly extended storyline and nothing more. Sometimes MS and many others talk so much about this exclusive DLC that we sometimes forget about talking about what matters most - the actual main game itself! i think MS are pinning their hopes in this GTA 4 DLC stuff a bit too much.

By the way, I thought Peter Moore, the former MS gaming boss looked silly posing in the press cameras with that GTA 4 tattoo on his arm. Just what was his point? LOL

* Microsoft have been making press statements in recent months that seem to give the impression that GTA 4 is 360-only game. Especially when they keep using the exclusive DLC as a silly smokescreen to give this impression with dumb-a** statements like "we own GTA 4" or "you can only get the whole (DLC) GTA 4 expereince on the 360". They need a reality check to remind them that not only is GTA 4 is a mulit-platform title, it still has a huge many loyal Playstation GTA fans potentially making the next-gen jump to play GTA 4 on a PS3. MS have been acting like they own the game which is very silly, considering the GTA-brand has had most of it's commercial success on the PS machines and the fact that GTA is so strongly associated with the Playstation name more than any other console.

Microsoft just need to chill with all of this over-zealousness about one game, especially when it's a mulit-platform title. Although it will sell well on both machines, MS just might not get the record-breaking results they hope for on the 360 GTA 4. Of course they are not panicking, but they really are giving out some bizzare impressions about the way they are acting over GTA 4. And dont think Sony are just gonna sit back and not seriously promote this game for the PS3 , because they will. I'm sure they have their own GTA 4 strategies and tactics under wraps, ready to unleash them when ready.

[GETPWNT]

So get some god damn advertisements. What idiots are in a panic? If they are, it's their own fault. Like those idiots don't have enough money to pay for some proper advertising. Please. GTA on 360 will crush PS3.

[DragonKnight]

You wish. Have fun waiting for the likely disappointing EDLC for a year.

Just watch as the PS3 continues to crush the 360. And when GTAIV on the PS3 does the same thing as DMC4 on the PS3 (i.e. sell more), I predict Microsoft will come out with an official response stating that there weren't enough copies of GTAIV for the 360. They were operating under supply constraints, and that's why GTAIV sold better on the PS3.

Mark my words.

[GETPWNT]

I'd rather not.

[PimpHandStrong]

but if they dont outsell the PS3 over the next three months they never will again

I wonder how much of that 50mil is going towards TV adds and PR push?

anyway should be interesting

i have been looking 4ward to GT and GTA for a long time!

[BubblesDAVERAGE]

I still think Microsoft still does not offer the whole package..Im sorry it just does not it is a better system then last gen but it still aint a play station

[Death]

GTA will be the biggest release this year hands down. Microsoft and Sony both want as much as they can out of this release. A GTA 360 package is simply good marketing. Look at the MGS bundle Sony is using. This is not panic or desperation on their part, they are simply offering an attractive package to try and lull more people over for increased console sales.

MGS is an outstanding franchise, but not the systems savior many people are trying to make it. MGS3 sold something like 7 million copies on the PS2 with a user base of over 100 million. A 7% attach rate isn't horrible, but also not what people hype ti to be. I am sure that MGS4 on PS3 will have a much better attach rate since the system really needs triple A exclusives, but it won't push the hardware as much as it will make the current owners happy.

-Death

[JD_Shadow]

Just look at the other things that MS has done to try to entice the GTA4 release on the 360 (that some 360 fans still are able to believe even though they aren't accurate at all):

-Lied about the MP being all theirs.
-Lied about EVERY BIT of DLC being all theirs (only 2 of what they are making is all theirs).
-Lied about the bill being R*'s to decide (we KNOW it won't be free).
-Lied about what the size of said DLC will be (10 hours per pack was originally announced before that "big as VC/SA" mess came about).
-They really haven't announced any other huge, killer app this year other than the long down the road GOW2 (and whoever said GOW3, you lost all cred the second you made THAT gaff).

And now we got these bundles and sudden price drops.

Meanwhile, other than bundling MGS4 with the system in June, Sony hasn't really done much to promote this game just yet. MS hasn't STOPPED wearing us out with the GTA4 crap since Peter Moore slapped on that fake tattoo.

Simply, if MS ISN'T in a GTA4 panic, then I can say that they are doing a DAMN good job making us think that they are.

(EDIT: A feeble cry to get some more bubbles, since someone took one away from me after I spitted venom at Joystiq).

[jmac53]

Gameplayer AU takes advertising money from Sony.

[CaliGamer]

Should be followed up by some link or conclusive evidence.

MS pays EA to make crappy PS3 ports.
See, I can do it too, doesn't make it true, or does it.....

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

NO NO NO!!!

Madden fans pay EA to make crappy PS3 ports. The buggers are too lazy to put some effort into it.

PS - I knew that was a joke...I was just trying to lighten up the conversation.

Common knowledge: The PS3 is more powerful on paper, as well as in reality.

Common knowledge: The PS3 has a better lineup this year.

Common knowledge: Many 360 fans have bought a PS3 already. Rich, white kids have their parents buy them every system when it comes out. Loyalty is in the eye of the dollar...at least here in America. (Yes...I'm white. White jokes aren't allowed to be offensive anyway. When was the last time a black guy got kicked out of a comedy club for making fun of white people?)

Common knowledge: Regardless of race...Carlos Mencia is not funny.

[SlappingOysters]

The official Xbox Magazine website, so yeah...

[PimpHandStrong]

good for them if it keeps the doors open and the water running

[poopface1]

they need to put out a survey asking people who had a ps2 what systems they will get. I know alot of people who only had a ps2 and now either have a 360 or want a 360. I had ps2 and xbox and I choose 360 first cause of price, games, controler etc. If anyone doesnt have a ps3 or 360, and wants one for GTA4, they are more likley to get a 360 just because it is cheaper.

[Booyah]

I don't know about that but I know a few people who bought the PS3 just for GTA4 even if they knew about it coming to Xbox360.

And yes... some will buy it on the 360 'cause it's cheaper.

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

They're going to buy a PS3 because the 360 has been out for a long time...and they want to get the newest and coolest thing.

Even if it's not all about that, millions of ridiculous gamestop employees could stop the slums of our society from sticking with the Sony brand.

[paper]

I think Sony may have an ace up their sleeve here. Remember Sony cut the price with the removal of BC and a few usb/memory ports right? Now the last I read was that they have cut the manufacturing cost of the Blu-Ray and some other components by half? but have not yet passed on THAT saving to the consumer? more on that later...

Now the article in question is mearly pointing out which console will sell more units, I mean of course GTA 4 will sell more copies on the 360 because of its install base, but who will sell the most consoles over the next 2 to 3 months just to play that game is the main question.

The 360 being cheaper? or the PS3 for brand name? Its a hard one to pick, the amount of time that has passed has given those who may have went with the PS3 (because of the PS2) straight away may have learned that the 360 isn't all that bad? thus to save some cash they will get one, I myself might just get the Arcade Pack to play GTA 4, I will be saving 300 bucks!

Now back to my point: Hopefully Sony have been watching all of this and will let MS continue to dwindle money away on promoting GTA 4 and right up until some very point Sony will go BANG, price drop, and the masses will flock?

What ever the case I can't wait to play GTA 4, I mean it's all about GTA 4, this is it, when they say the end is near, the END IS NEAR!

Let us pray that nothing stops the release of GTA 4 in any way, shape or form.

[Rocko]

All your sh*t talking. What the f**k are you gonna say when GTA on 360 is #1 on sales charts and the PS3 version is #5? The same garbage you all spouted about DMC 4? "Bu..bu..bu its a PlayStation franchise :(" If a Japanese style "sony franchise" sold like f**kin mad on 360, it doesn't take a goddamn genius to know that GTA will b*tchslap the PS3 version in terms of sales. Cry all you want, the truth hurts.

[Ashton]

DMC4 has sold 1,100,000 copies as of now world wide on PS3 vs 890,000 XBOX 360 version.So as you see DMC sold more on PS3 with 6.5 million smaller user base.

[Rocko]

Are all droids illiterate? I said it had great sales, not that it outsold the PS3 version. Again think about it, GTA is a western game. Combine that wuith the 360's larger userbase and its no contest. So sit the f**k down.

[paper]

This place is more civil

I think Sony may have an ace up their sleeve here. Remember Sony cut the price with the removal of BC and a few usb/memory ports right? Now the last I read was that they have cut the manufacturing cost of the Blu-Ray and some other components by half? but have not yet passed on THAT saving to the consumer? more on that later...

Now the article in question is mearly pointing out which console will sell more units, I mean of course GTA 4 will sell more copies on the 360 because of its install base, but who will sell the most consoles over the next 2 to 3 months just to play that game is the main question.

The 360 being cheaper? or the PS3 for brand name? Its a hard one to pick, the amount of time that has passed has given those who may have went with the PS3 (because of the PS2) straight away may have learned that the 360 isn't all that bad? thus to save some cash they will get one, I myself might just get the Arcade Pack to play GTA 4, I will be saving 300 bucks!

Now back to my point: Hopefully Sony have been watching all of this and will let MS continue to dwindle money away on promoting GTA 4 and right up until some very point Sony will go BANG, price drop, and the masses will flock?

What ever the case I can't wait to play GTA 4, I mean it's all about GTA 4, this is it, when they say the end is near, the END IS NEAR!

Let us pray that nothing stops the release of GTA 4 in any way, shape or form.

[themyk]

that you don't think that there is going to be a sh1tload of ps2 owners buying ps3's for this game. i mean it's crazy to think that. lets just say that ms didn't drop the xbox1 like a bad habbit just to boost the 360 sales. now lets say there was a ton of xbox1 owners out there still enjoying there xbox1's. now let's say they release halo 4 on the playstation3, and the 360. but the playstation3 is going to get some more missions 6 months down the road. do you honestly think theres going to be a massive amount of xbox1 fans running to the ps3. i don't think so. fan boys are pathetic.

long live solid snake.

[DoubleD305]

How does crap like this get on N4G? If this site wants to be taken seriously over time they need to start filtering what is real news with a little bit of actual research being done and this kind of Quasi-Blogging crap that is just meant to enflame and cause people to fanboy out and flame each other.

I mean the first article was the flimsiest kind of proposition. To even accuse any console company of these things in the manner this crap website purports to is embaarrasing. And all you idiots that play along with it are fools.

Subsidizing a game? Are you people really that shocked at this? The consoles you all buy are subsidized. Bundling a game? Is Sony panicking because they are bundling MGS4 - Stop being a bunch of morons and listening to this guy. GamePlayer is a Joke for trying to pass themselves off as legitimate industry reporters.

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

Proportionally...the PS3 will see better GTAIV sales. Actually, I would go as far as to say that it might eventually outsell the 360 version...despite the larger install-base. That, MGS4, GT5, and Home...should all secure my theory that Resistance 2 will outsell Gears of War 2 by the end of the year.

[Spydiggity]

the difference is gow was a huge success and sold a ton of systems when nobody knew what it was. gow 2 will be purchased by more than half of all 360 owners. resistance one is a joke of a game with a bunch of stolen ideas and nobody expects two to be that exciting either. and like you said, sony fan boys will finally get some good games like metal gear, final fantasy, gt, and gta, so they won't be nearly as desperate to buy any game that looks better than packaged poo. Playstation will definitely do better this year, but resistance will NOT be a major block buster game like gow.

[Bathyj]

I think its a great move that GT5P comes out about a month before GTA4.

Anyone looking to buy a console now will most likely think, GTA4, thats a Playstation game, I had 3 or 4 of them on PS2, but you can also get it on Xbox. What else is new?

Rainbow 6 is good, so is Army of Two. Both multiplatform. GT is a game that could tip the scales in PS3's favour. Everyone knows GT, and just one look at it will sell it. Only people will a biased wouldn't like it. The graphics are amazing to us, to a man on the street, they are jaw dropping.

And a lot of you people seem to be forgetting this article is talking about the casual gamers. The hardcore dont need to be sold to. We all know about it and have made our minds up months ago. We already own our consoles.

The schmuck on the street walking passed an EB games will see GTA4 and GT5P on one console that happens to play those new Bluray things they heard about when they bought their new TV a month ago, and its really a no brainer. Plus if the clerk mentions all those PS3 games were free to play online, while playing on XB would cost about as much as a new game and theres no reason why a casual would want an XBox unless he really had a Halo fetish.

[Lew_Ijgee]

UK Amazon's Bestsellers in PC & Video Games:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/...

1. GT5P (PS3)
2. Wii Fit (Wii)
3. GTA IV (PS3)
4. Mario Kart (Wii)
5. GTA IV (Xbox 360)

In other words, I think Microsoft has plenty to worry about.

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

That's the UK, dude.

The UK is Sony. The 360 doesn't stand a chance there or in Asia.

The US, however, it has a chance with...

I do believe that the PS3 version will outsell the 360 version, given time.

US AMAZON:

360 version of GTAIV is 16th.
PS3 version of GTAIV is 27th.

Seriously, they'll get within fighting distance soon enough.

[Lew_Ijgee]

I guess we also need to consider the massive number of people who still do not regularly shop online.

[Matpan]

If I were Microsoft (yes me, a person, impersonating tha whole of the company...) I would be hard pressed to adress hardware issues for all those systems they hope to sell with this so expected "system-seller"... I know people still buy a 360 no matter RROD ( I did ) but that tolerance is reaching it´s peak... and has already impacted on the system sales...

As for the "news" itself... It´s just another marketing move... The fact that MS is making marketing efforts and Sony isn´t doing that much just speaks about how the two companies feel about their product... Sony being a little more confident of this year´s outcome, Microsoft preventing a market overtake by the PS3...

360´s flaw still remains a hardware one... (such a pity)

[permutated]

If the game is half as bad as Vice City was I won't even give it 2 looks.

[XB-T]

MS is in panic since the day they entered the console market. Sony just pimpslaped them way too good.

[Spydiggity]

that doesn't even make sense

[waldopepper]

Why would they be in a panic when entering the console market?

The likes of Sony and Nintendo have dominated the market for a long time. When Microsoft announced they were going to make a games console, people thought it ludicrous - they're a software company that makes business applications for pities sake. Considering how short a time they've been in the race they've caught up pretty darn fast.

If anyone is worried, it's their competitors. This is a good thing - competition drives companies to improve their products. Do you think Sony would be investing in improving PSN to add all the features that it lacks over Live if they didn't have to keep up with the competition? Without Nintendo, Sony probably wouldn't have considered motion control at the last minute too.

[Spydiggity]

just another BS planted article to trick the masses into believing something that has no factual basis. Just because a company offers an incentive to buy does not mean they are paniced or even concerned, they are just being competative. it's the same as if Ford offered 0% apr financing, or Best Buy offers 18 months no-interest financing. Or when a credit card company or a phone company offers you money to switch. Or when the cable company offers a few free months of HBO. it's not desperation, it's just capitalism.

[scoobs]

So i read that first page list of 360 games this year and I noticed that about 50% of them aren't even 08' games, which is nice.

As far as the gta4 stuff.... the 360 version will sell like 6 million copies in about 2 months and the ps3 version will sell like 3 million. Everyone wins.

I think the author of the article got it right by saying the really interesting numbers will be the hardware sold for that month, not just in the US but maybe more importantly EU. I'm betting the PS3 outsells the 360 :)

[The Lazy One]

I for one demand that all game related articles from here on out have "Microsoft in a panic" added to the end of them.

[power of Green]

GTA4 blowback will be worse than the DMC4 Blowback that came from the claims PS3 fanboys were making about how *DMC4-PS3 will be on par with DMC4-360*. DMC4 is a Japanese title which large parts of the western market no longer favor, GTA4 is a western type game this means PS3 sales will never be ahead or on par with the 360 version(I doubt Sony will sell more consoles).

[Citizen Cook]

Its good business. M$ are making moves to crush sony.
What do you expect them to do, sit back and allow themselves to be destroyed like sony has for the past year?

HA HA HA HA!

[The_Engineer]

selling 10.5 million consoles in one year where it took the 360 1.5 years to sell the same amount is getting "destroyed"....lol

you bots are good for a laugh.

and whats with the other idiot above saying that sigma is the best rated game on the PS3?? care to talk out of your ass a little more retard??

yours and MS's inability to live in the real world is the reason why you will lose this race and lose it badly.

I am all for live and let live, we are all gamers yada yada yada but in the case of MS and its legions of xbots, you deserve NO MERCY, NO COMPASSION AND ALL THE RIDICULE IN THE WORLD WHEN YOUR ABORTION OF A CONSOLE FOLDS LIKE A CHEAP TENT.

I for one will be LMAO the day you idiots and that crapbox get teabagged by the PS3.

[The_Engineer]

of you know what console don't realize that Sony has this fight already won and are only carrying MS for a couple more rounds before they do a prime Tyson KO on their beehind.

before any of the idiots start in on me, I have only one thing to comeback with and only one thing I need to comeback with.

If Sony REALLY wanted to crush the 360 in one fell swoop all they had to do was pressure Rockstar into a simultaneous release Gran Turismo or move up the release of the worlds MOST POPULAR racing franchise to match GTA4's.

That combination alone would be too much for most to resist and leave MS and their arrogant kiddies out in the GTA4 cold all over again.

[The Lazy One]

Why would Sony do a simultaneous release of two of the more anticipated games on their system. They'd only draw sales away from each other. They might sell a butt ton of systems day one, but over the same time period they would have had without simultaneous release, they'd sell many less systems as well as games.

Hot titles well placed is also one of the biggest factors in creating buzz around your system. Would you rather have a good amount of buzz for 2-3 months, or a huge amount of buzz for one week?

[The_Engineer]

so having two hot titles (one only available on your console and WAY bigger than the other in terms of popularity) won't sell PS3's??

where did you go to school?? did they teach you that 2+2=5??

I made the post above yesterday or this morning(dont remember) and now we have an article stating that Gran Turismo is ALREADY SOLD OUT of preorders to prove my point OH SO ELOQUENTLY.....lol

I been into gaming for over 25 years dude, I've seen trends come and go, I've seen greats come and go, I've also seen crap come and go.

guess which one MS and the 360 fit the bill for?? hint: it aint the first two.

[bioshock]

hey power of green stop being an analyst..ok ur fanboy. so shut the crap..guy who can only afford a cheap console.hey may b i can lend u so money to buy PS3, coz from the way i c ur poor.hahahahahaha.
and bout DMC4 it did sell more ps3 hardware, proof is NPD sales,360 got fuked twice now both in jan and feb, its ass got kicked everywhere in the world from east to west.this year is not 360s just accept the truth..these ps3 fanboys really heard alot after bad launch,less titles, high price now times changing... and As far is GTA4 is concerned just wait for a month and ull knw..i have given ma prediction. software more on 360 hardware number more on PS3...lets just c..

[bioshock]

these marketing tactics its not being in panic. MS knw the imp of this title and its potential to switch PS owner to 360..
but the way i c 360 doesnt have any casual gamer title which PS3 got like uncharted and RnC..360 got big titles but they are for hardcore shooter fans and they have already jumped for tht so whats so attractive beside dlc which mean nothing to casual gamer.
sony on the otherhand knw the imp of this title and mr scott VP SCEA mentioned on gametrailers tht ps and GTA developed together and we will take advantage of brand association and try our best to keep are insall base to us...so its interesting battle im thrilled to c the result of.thn sony got three sceret weapons up there sleeve which MS have no answer of GT5.p 1 mill preorders imagine how many harware it will push with bundle avaible in EU thn Haze a halo answer and lastly the MGS4> with switching potential...

[THC CELL]

Lets just say this if anything
M$ had to beg for GTA

Your luck have even got it so suck on that

Gta 4 for ps3 ftw and Gta 5 Exclusive to ps3 and
Hope to see the little counter GTa stories for x box massive hit dlc hahah

@ pog See you on MGS4
And dont lie i bet u mart and other x xbox owners all ready have it on pre order Sorry mart is pog
i wonder do u have 2 heads hahah

[sleepbox]

Nope, GTA4 isn't exclusive to the 360 but according to various analysts among other impressive logic, no one actually believes GTA4 is coming to the 360 so therefore the bundle is just letting people know it exists.

[sleepbox]

GTA4 will be purchased on the cheapest console. Movie nerds caring about BR do not apply.

[TunakTunakTun]

they have nothing else besides a multiplat game that is superior on playstation 3 anyways

Afrika
Buzz! Quiz TV
Coded Arms: Assault
Crysis
Dark Cloud 3
Disgaea 3
Eight Days
EyeDentify
Final Fantasy XIII
Final Fantasy Versus XIII
Folklore
Formula One Championship Edition
God of War 3
Grand Theft Auto V
Gran Turismo 5
Gran Turismo 5 Prolouge
Haze
Heavenly Sword
Heavenly Sword 2
Heavy Rain
Hot Shots Golf 5
Ico 3
inFAMOUS
Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier
Killzone 2
L.A. Noire
LittleBigPlanet
Metal Gear Online
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
MLB 07: The Show
MLB 08: The Show
Motorstorm
Motorstorm 2
NcSoft MMORPGs
Ni-Oh
Ninja Gaiden Sigma
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
Red Dead Revolver 2
Redwood Falls
Resident Evil 5
Resistance: Fall of Man
Resistance 2: United We Stand
Ridge Racer 7
Rockstar Unannounced Game
Rouge Galaxy 2
Singstar
Sly Cooper 4
SOCOM 3
SOCOM Confrontation
Syphon Philter
Team Ico Unannounced Game
Tears of Blood
Tekken 6
The Agency
The Eye of Judgement
The Getaway
Timesplitters 4
Twisted Metal
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Uncharted 2
Unreal Tournament III
Valkyrie of the Battlefield
Wardevil
Warhawk
White Knight Chronicles
Yakuza 3
Zone of the Enders 3

Calling All Cars!
Dark Mist
Echocrome
Everyday Shooter
flOw
High Velocity Bowling
LocoRoco Cocoreccho
Novastrike
Pain
Pixeljunk Monsters
Super Rub a Dub
Super Stardust
Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection Online
Wipeout HD

Blu-Ray
Built In Wi-Fi
Cell
Firmware Updates That Improves The Console
Free Online Play
Harddrive in all Consoles
HOME
PS Eye
Reliable System That Does Not Break
Remote Connection With PSP
Wireless and Chargable Sixaxis Controllers
Webb Browser

ONLY ON PLAYSTATION 3

THIS IS LIVING

P L A Y B 3 Y O N D

AHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH AHAHAHAHA

[Kaz Hirai]

It's almost as if they realise the rest of their 2008 line-up is a DISGUST!

MWAH-HA-HA-HA!!!

[hamsterfist]

Kaz it is sad you only have one bubble. I can see the fanboys taking your bubbles away, but you are always good for a laugh and should be seen. Unlike POG, The Mart and Gotpwnt who are all just @ssholes and annoying.

[sonyfanonly]

GTA 4 will be big on both consoles but come on with METAL GEAR SOLID 4 on the ps3 thats the biggest game of 08 and its sonys only you are crazy if you dont buy a ps3 this year or just an ignorant fanboys that deserves to only play games like halo and gears of war

[PirateThom]

Sony have played it way more smart.

Gran Turismo 5, Gran Theft Auto 4 and Metal Gear Solid 4 all in the same time frame against the 360 and... well... Grand Theft Auto 4.

Microsoft should be afraid, they can say "DLC" while Sony can say "games"

Who is going to buy a 360 if they haven't already when that's the line up against the PS3s multi-million sellers?

Microsoft had their chance, last year, with Bioshock, Halo 3 and Mass Effect and they couldn't do it.

[thirstycamel]

This article isn't talking about which console is going to move the most games, xbox will undoubtably sell more GTAIV, just on install base alone. the writer is adressing the fact that this game has the huge possibilaty to move consoles. To this point the xbox360's sales have been stalling, while ps3's sales have been steadly increasing. MS is fully aware of this trend, and are obviously making the big push to use this game to curve this trend. We are still relatively early into the console war, and the console manufactures are still really focused on increasing their market share. So, as far as I'm concerned, yes, MS is in some form of desperation to get more of their consoles out there, and this game may be the means to so. But, all they've done to this point has been reaching out to their core gamers, and have done mostly nothing to draw the casual gamer, yet to make a decision, to buy their system.

[The Lazy One]

Has anyone considered why M$ isn't releasing any enormous games at the same time as MGS4 or GT5:P? The fact that M$ tends to save a lot of its titles for fall and winter to maximize sales, it's very possible that M$ just considers the competition from those games to be large enough that they don't want to waste sales going up against them.

If I were releasing a decent game that I expected moderate sales from, or (in the case of M$ rather than individual developer) many games, I'd sell a lot more if I wasn't launching in the same time frame as either of those games.

It has less to do with a shortage of good titles, and more to do with good planning for better sales.

[PirateThom]

But that's exactly the problem, they're putting all their force behind against a multiplatform title and it's too much, they need to focus on their exclusive titles.

People will see 3 well known, high quality franchises on PS3 against the 1 on 360, where is their money going to go?

[The Lazy One]

Yea, they'll see those 3 titles, for 2 months during the summer when sales are already low to begin with. Then fall will hit and you'll have a lot of brand new 360 titles going up against those same exclusives that are now 2-3 months old.

There just isn't much point to releasing anything now when it's just going to get eclipsed right now.

[PSWe60]

and I'll say it again:
It's going to be a Hell of a fight.

[cleawrence]

mmmmm!!

i just want to ask you one question.

Who has ever completely finished a GTA?????? i think only 1% of players.

When ppl talk about DLC ,it makes me laugh.It's a plus,right but you'll be very busy with only gta that you don't have time for extra episodes.

And one more thing it's a multiplateform game not an exclusive.

For me,i think MS would be spend 50 millions into a new IP.

[Citizen Cook]

How can they win? 360 has 18.5million customers
PS3rd has 10.5...

Now i expect many might by a PS3rd for GTA, but the ones who haven't brought a next-gen console yet, are the ones with very little money. There will go for the cheapest console. The Xbox 360 Arcade.

I expect, sony will benefit from this, but not nearly as much as M$ will.

HA HA HA HA!

[WINZLOW]

PS3 is getting La Noire and another game that has not been leaked yet. both games will be exclusives. enjoy GTA4. PS3 will have plenty of rockstar games.

[OC Shock Value]

this is all really silly.. This game is not gonna make or break any console.. and nobody is in a panic.. even tho i am gettin it for my PS3 i dont think M$ is in any type of panic.. people will just buy the damn game according to what system they have.. play it, play some more, discuss with friends, then move on to the next game.. its really not as serious as ppl are making it sound.. especially for me anyway.. im just using this game 2 hold me off until the real deal (MGS4) comes out.. then its gonna be gran theft who?? But for those who are gettin this as priority number 1.. get it for ur damn console of choice and please shut ur mouth.. it will do great on both systems.. the world is NOT commin 2 an end.. have a good day

[Rhezin]

this game would already be out by now if it wasn't for the waitstation. It's g@y just like its fanboys.

[WINZLOW]

i have a hacked psp so i will get GTA 4 stories for free, meanwhile i await La Noire and the other rockstar game that has not been leaked yet. Enjoy GTA 4. i just hope more come out for my psp.

[Official General]

This is what I'm saying. There is no panic from Microsoft about GTA 4 of course. I think all of this kinda silly too. But I agree with Pirate on his views. I really do think that Microsoft keep putting too much effort to push a multi-platform title, so much so that they sometimes give the slight impression that GTA 4 is 360 exclusive. Instead of putting more investment, time, effort and energy into producing other very good exclusive games that can compete with the likes of current/future PS3 exclusive games such as GT5 P, MGS4, KZ2, Unchartered etc, all MS keep doing this year is shooting their mouths off about this GTA4 DLC. It seems like the DLC is the only thing that matters to MS this year. Right now Sony has a barrage of potentially excellent titles ready to be unleashed, and PLUS they still have GTA 4 on their roster. MS need to wake up and smell the damn coffee for real. I just dont think that a great many gamers know or care that much about DLC enough for Microsoft to totally grab the GTA 4 limelight that they so desperately crave. And the fact that GTA's success is mainly associated with Playstation name doesn't help MS's cause either.

[bioshock]

hey citi get ur number correct. its 10.5 to 18. secondly...y the fuk these bots always forget ps3 has been kicking their but worldwide in jan and feb and gaining momentum....wait and watch..nobody needs ur fanboish analysis.

[cleawrence]

you mark a point.i also think MS is spending a lot of time and money for a multipleplateform game.DLC is just a bonus.Howerer MS has good future game but not as hyped and well known as GT5p or MGS4.MS would reconcentrate for exclusive IP.

[sleepbox]

Ninja Gaiden 2, Halo Wars, Left 4 Dead, Alan Wake, and Too Human will balance out the PS3 exclusives. No real gamer would miss these games.

[poopface1]

is the main reason(game wise) I have a 360 and not a ps3.

[thirstycamel]

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed San Andreas, but I got tired of the game after a few weeks. I may end up picking this game up, only to play between MLB:08 and GT5:P.
Before anyone decides to jump down my throat for saying that, remember this is only my personal opinion, and I am fully aware of the extreme selling power of the franchise. I just think anyone who uses the extra downloadable content as major selling point is delusional. Sure, it'll appeal to the hardest of the hardcore, but I personally don't know anyone who has completed a game in the series. To me MS's 50mil was complete waste, how many people will be still interested in this game when the additional content is released. And, don't forget PS3 is getting it's own DLC, which Sony is paying nothing for. I think MS's gaming division got so excited at getting their hands on a perceived exclusive playstation game(timed atleast), that they prematurely blew their financial load.

[Gamer luv]

Ha.

Panic? Dont make me laugh.

This is Sony PR twisting a story.

Thats like saying Sony were "panicking" because they offered a PS3 + CoD4 bundle.

Its ridiculous to state such nonsense, Microsoft trying to boost GTA sales? Panic, i think not, we all know it will be a major seller.

[conswella]

microsoft is worried that the casual gamer that knows nothing about the console war will opt for the ps3 version, cause the casual gamer knows, perhaps, that gta is a playstation franchise. well... knowing more than casual gamers, i will still buy the ps3 version. I want a console that will last me while i play the game. ahem.

[Gamer luv]

thats understandable but to say MSFT is panicking is just insane.

sales for GTA4 will be higher on the 360 then they will be on the PS3.

its a fact, more userbase.

Inless that changes, microsoft wont need to panick, i bet theyre sittin back having a right laugh at all the sony fans who think there over.

Untill sony are in the lead by a huge margin, it should be xbox fans laughin.

[hamsterfist]

If I was running Sony I would come out with a PS3 GTA IV package at the same price of the current 40GB. Then it would just be Sony FTW. Maybe they need to hire me. =)

[Official General]

"Ninja Gaiden 2, Halo Wars, Left 4 Dead, Alan Wake, and Too Human will balance out the PS3 exclusives. No real gamer would miss these games."

Ahem, just how many real gamers do you think there is out there compared to the number of more casual gamers? I think you know the answer to that one. Yeah these maybe some very good games but I honestly dont think they are gonna exacty equal the PS3 exclusives. Look at the hype thats surrounding GT 5 Prologue and Metal Gear Solid 4 now, these two games have been killing the pre-orders already. Killzone 2 is still being talked about and highly anticipated by many, even non PS3 owners! I believe the general view is that the PS3's 2008 exclusive line-up this just looks better than the 360's line up.

I dont think you should have put Halo Wars in that list either. I'm sure even you 360 owners have had enough of Halo by now. From what I've seen recently, many Halo fans now claim COD4 is better than Halo 3. The Hollywood hype, glitter show and costume party is over, that was 2007. The Halo thing is a kinda played out now, and if you dont know then you better ask somebody.

It is easily possible that MSG4 alone will take the limelight away from all your listed 360 games put together.

[sleepbox]

NG2 will take the limelight away from MGS4

MGS as a series has sold less and less and will continue to decline. The manic forum boys do not change the numbers. What makes all so sure that MSG4 is all-of-the-sudden going to turn around the declining numbers?

GTA4 for 360 will outsell the PS3 version 2 to 1. You will all see.

[ThaToNeKiiDKaBaW]

Danja - I find it funny that you say Too Human and Fable 2 might not be a good game in the summer but then you list.. Haze. What's so good or revolutionary about Haze? From what I've seen, it's just another shooter.

Official General - So, are you saying the PS3 is for "casual gamers??" Uhm, I don't think so..

[Papacharinonanadan]

Having read though all of that there are two points I would like to add.

1.) As awesome as MGS4 is, it is a gamer's game and is kind of irrelevant to this conversation about why GTA 4 will ship consoles - the csasual market, GT5, however, is a much more recognised casual brand.

2.) As soon as the PS3 passed the X360 in sales, it will become the lead format with developers. At that moment many multi-format games coming to X360 will be dumbed down ports. If games are being designed with the Cell Processor, Blu-ray and an HD as standard in mind they will need to be altered considerably to work on the X360's inferior tech. Before you all jump, I love my X360... not the machine, it is a cheap peice of $hit, but the games and online are awesome.

Anyway, that is the bottom line drive of MS's panic. If the PS3 catches up, it will dominate so MS has to keep ahead as long as possible by any means necessary.

[KingJFS]

>>>>> "As soon as the PS3 passed the X360 in sales, it will become the lead format with developers. At that moment many multi-format games coming to X360 will be dumbed down ports." <<<<<

The problem is that such a day may never come. This is not an inevitable prediction and the sales numbers make it look very likely (some would say inevitably so) that the PS3 will NEVER pass the Xbox 360.

[DFresh]

In a way it's a gamble for MS they spent $50 million dollars extra upon development to get extra content for the 360 only on GTA IV.
It's gonna sell the same or more on the PS3 because of several reasons.
1.) The series started on Playstation and it will end with that console series w/ Sony.
2.) GTA is still really popular on the PS2 and it gives them a reason to switch to the PS3.
3.) GTA IV was made on the PS3 first and the developers admit that it looks better on the PS3 so their you have it.
Extra content doesn't help if more people know this game series from a 1 console base.
I bet you once Peter Harrison realizes this game will sell more on the PS3 he will get rid of that tattoo on his arm.

[xbox3shitty]

ofcourse Microshaft should be panicking like sissies

casual will play this all night long day 1
meltbox starts to RROD & DRE after 2hrs

[videogamer]

360 and ps3 both needs it, and.........we all want it, can't wait

[JD_Shadow]

For one, to 32.1...uhh...check the NPD sales figures for Jan and Feb. THEY ALREADY DID WHAT YOU SAID THEY COULD NEVER DO!! March might not look too promising, either, for the 360 sales.

Secondly, I can say this much: If the multiplayer for GTA4 totally eclipses in popularity whatever the two exclusives MS has for this game, then you can FORGET about MS having that edge.

Reason: Assuming Sony can fix the little nuances that people have with that service (I personally haven't met them yet, though some people might have seen a few), which if there are inevitable issues (there will be no matter WHAT system you choose) I doubt Sony wouldn't have a handle on, they will have the HUGE upper hand because they have a generally more attractive online service. Their online service is free of charge, and each game runs on a dedicated server, the latter making for better overall performance of the game. If more people buy this for the PS3 as some are expecting, and R* just flat out kicks everyone's ASS with what is shaping up to be a killer MP app, we'll be too busy with the multiplayer that we'll be saying "DL-WHAT?" by the time MAY comes around, let alone August. Hell, 360 owners may be saying that too, which could spell even MORE problems for MS if the 360 owners are too busy with the MP that they won't give a crap about whatever DLC is there.

Don't think this scenario that MP will eclipse the DLC in what people will care about more could possibly happen, or that it's just some pipe-dream? It's not as far-fetched as you may think. MP was the main game mover for both COD4 and Rock Band (for the latter, one of the main movers). Gamers want to get bragging rights that they OWN you at the game, and what better way to do that by kicking your ass in MP? Who will care about some petty DLC content that may show up on another system in 6 months or so anyway (and whose system will get other stuff of that nature anyway) when you can just as easily show the world your "mad skillz" online and just get freakin' annoyed when they magically disconnect when they are getting f#cked up badly?

Again, if the MP just kicks ass (and there's no reason to think it won't), and if Sony can work out the small kinks that are in an otherwise reliable and more attractive online service, then you can OFFICIALLY kiss that MS "exclusive advantage" crap goodbye!