2007-06-02 00:49:26 GTA IV delay on the way?

http://uk.gamespot.com/news/show_blog_entry.php?to...

The official story: "We do no comment on rumor or speculation."--Rockstar Games rep.

What we heard: Back in March, Take-Two Interactive's board was ousted by a shareholder revolt. Since then, it has been unclear what the company's new directors have in mind for the mighty--but mighty troubled--publisher. The first hard evidence about what tack Take-Two will take won't surface for 10 days. That's when the New York-based publisher announces earnings for its second fiscal quarter, which ended on April 30.

In the interim, analysts are prognosticating about the possible outcomes of said call. One of the highest-profile game-industry analysts is making some particularly gloomy predictions. In a note sent out this morning, Wedbush Morgan Securities' Michael Pachter said he thought "the company is likely to announce studio closures, lease terminations, and game cancellations during the conference call." He and his associates also "do not expect new games such as The BIGS, All-Pro Football, Fantastic Four, or The Darkness to be wildly profitable."

Pachter also set off a forum firestorm by wagering a guess about one of the year's biggest games. "We believe that it is possible that the company will choose to 'throw in the towel' on [its 2007 financial year] by shifting the release date for Grand Theft Auto IV by a few weeks, increasing the losses incurred this year and improving the company's prospects for FY:08." Take-Two's financial year ends on October 31, 2007.

Pachter gave another rationale for a GTA IV delay. Namely, that moving it to early November would put more space between GTA IV and Halo 3, which is arriving September 25. "We believe that a two-week delay would provide a reasonable gap between the launch of Halo 3 and the launch of GTA IV, and would actually help sales of both games," he said.

Still another scenario in the Wedbush note would have the regular edition of GTA IV be pushed past Halloween, while the recently announced Collector's Edition of the game going on sale October 16. That would "allow Take-Two to maximize revenues from the $89.99 Collector's Edition of the game...and to increase overall profitability." The extra $30 nets players a soundtrack CD, art book, duffel bag, keychain, and lockbox.

Bogus or not bogus?: Bogus that it's been confirmed in any shape, way, or form. Though well-respected, Pachter is not infallible, and he is merely speculating here. Then again, stranger and more underhanded things have been done in the name of financial posturing. Also, giving gamers a few more weeks to save their pennies post-Halo 3 does make sense. But the November release schedule will still be crowded with competition andGTA IV will be a monster hit no matter what...so why wait?

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Halle Berry: Delgado i am feeling really reall dirty tonight, shall i call Jessica Simpson for a threesome?

Delgado: HALLE what have i told you about bothering me when i'm playing Mass Effect!!! now get out and dont come back for 2 months!! (Slams door

2007-06-02 01:13:17

Last time I checked, the last GTA on PS2 alone outsold the entire Halo franchise. No need for a delay. In fact I bet Microsoft moved Halo 3 in early to get a jump in sales.

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Jim Rome: "Nobody owns anybody like Florida owns OSU."

2007-06-02 01:41:29

I believe MS went with a September date to "double dip" namely to get their release sales, and then get an extra bump in November for holiday sales.

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The fans have spoken. Concerning the graphics of the Halo 3 Beta: "There's so many little effects and things going on that make this game pretty much 2nd only to Gears at the moment."

2007-06-02 02:55:30

If rockstar says they do not comment on rumor or speculation that means there is a good possibility that the game could be delayed.

I dont think MS pushed back Halo 3 because of GTA IV hurting Halo3's sales or Halo3 hurting GTAIV's sales. I think they did it for the other games that will be crushed. Having Halo3 and GTAIV release at the same time could kill other publisher's games. MS does not want that.

2007-06-03 11:13:07 In reply to Acert93 (2007-06-02 01:41:29)

2007-06-04 01:02:35

Besides all the slow season missed sales they already have, that would totally piss people off. Not me of course... 65nm 360 in my office and all :P

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The fans have spoken. Concerning the graphics of the Halo 3 Beta: "There's so many little effects and things going on that make this game pretty much 2nd only to Gears at the moment."