GTA IV Delayed!

02
Aug
2007
By Gerard | 2nd Aug 2007 at 20:39 GMT in GTA IV | 39 Comments

Today, Rockstar Games published a press release detailing that the launch for Grand Theft Auto IV has been pushed back from October this year. It is now scheduled for release in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 which begins on October 31st 2007 for Rockstar. We are looking at a delay of a few months for the game, somewhere between February and April.

From the press release:

Take-Two is reducing its fiscal 2007 guidance primarily to reflect the movement of the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 to fiscal 2008, due to additional development time required to complete the title. The title is now planned for release in the Company’s second quarter of fiscal 2008.

Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two, stated:

With Grand Theft Auto IV, Rockstar is setting a new standard for next generation video games. Certain elements of development proved to be more time-intensive than expected, especially given the commitment for a simultaneous release on two very different platforms. We all recognize that perfecting the game is vital and I can assure everyone it will be worth the wait. We owe it to the game’s millions of fans, to our dedicated development team, and to our shareholders to make sure that Grand Theft Auto IV is a groundbreaking gaming experience that takes maximum advantage of next generation technology.

Take-Two are hosting a 20-minute conference-call tonight at 5:30 pm Eastern Time to discuss these developments, accessible by dialing (877) 407-0984 or (201) 689-8577. A listen-only version will be available live online at http://ir.take2games.com, and a replay available online afterwards.

Whilst it is disappointing not to see GTA IV for a few more months, I'm glad that Rockstar are putting their efforts into making this game the best they can, and that they have the guts to delay the launch even just a couple of months away.

The full press release can be read here.

mk01's photo
mk01 2nd August, 2007 @ 20:44 - Permalink
Today, Rockstar Games released a press release detailing that the launch for Grand Theft Auto IV has been pushed back from October this year. It is now scheduled for release in the fiscal year 2008 which begins on October 31st 2007 for Rockstar. We are looking at a delay of probably a few months for the game, although it still may be available before Christmas.

crap...that sucks...

gta dude 45's photo
gta dude 45 2nd August, 2007 @ 20:48 - Permalink

they are probably going to change the cop car colors,AGAIN! -_-<_<:(:angry: Grand theft auto 3 was delayed due to 9/11,which was bullshit.we could have had nypd color schme cop cars,darkel,school buses and children,but the sand blacks just HAVE to crash into the world trade centers.Couldn't they go crash into a oilrig or something instead??? :pissed:now they are delaying it due to pissed new yorkers and that devious bastard jackass thompson.

Wheelman101's photo
Wheelman101 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:03 - Permalink

ah fuck 4th :/ wow that sucks

Silberio's photo
Silberio 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:03 - Permalink

That fucken pisses me off.

Das bist scheise, no other comment...

It just sucks...At least we got some more time to achieve 200.000 post at /b/ random...

Thanks for the info, anyway.

bvs21's photo
bvs21 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:03 - Permalink

What a bummer. :o

Oh well, if R* puts more time into the game, it actually might be worth our wait.

7.62mm's photo
7.62mm 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:04 - Permalink

WTF!? Awww jesus! :o

Wheelman101's photo
Wheelman101 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:04 - Permalink

well like he said, more time to work more going into the game, searching for bugs and stuff ect..

Chris's photo
Chris 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:06 - Permalink
they are probably going to change the cop car colors,AGAIN! -_-<_<:(:angry: Grand theft auto 3 was delayed due to 9/11,which was bullshit.we could have had nypd color schme cop cars,darkel,school buses and children,but the sand blacks just HAVE to crash into the world trade centers.Couldn't they go crash into a oilrig or something instead??? :pissed:now they are delaying it due to pissed new yorkers and that devious bastard jackass thompson.

You're an idiot.

It's delayed because they need additional development time.

We'll have more information when R* provide it to us.

Silberio's photo
Silberio 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:07 - Permalink
Oh well, if R* puts more time into the game, it actually might be worth our wait.

Yeah, that meaby would be good, but anyway...It seems great as it is already.

MishoM's photo
MishoM 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:12 - Permalink

Its not all that bad, now I have more time to finish Beautiful Katamari, Half-Life 2 Episode 2, Halo 3, and Mass Effect. Besides, we'll have it before April '08 (erm, I think) so it's not all that bad.

Red_91's photo
Red_91 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:12 - Permalink

Not dissapointed that much, I want this game to be the best and it probably will be, I knew there was going to be adelay but I thought it would have only been for a week not a couple of months.

Silberio's photo
Silberio 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:13 - Permalink

Yeah yeah...At least we'll have a perfect game, I hope.

Red_91's photo
Red_91 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:14 - Permalink

Just realised I might not get this game until months after its release because in 2008 I sit my GCSEs so I will have to concentrate on them.

Highwire's photo
Highwire 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:15 - Permalink

I heard it was only gonna be delayed by a few days damn!

fatalgamer's photo
fatalgamer 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:15 - Permalink

Frankly it's hard to believe. They said that they were determined to meet deadline. They must have absolutely no choice. Oh, well It'll be even better than we thought. More time = A better game. I guess I'll just keep playin GTA Trilogy.

kobe_inr's photo
kobe_inr 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:18 - Permalink

idiots i have been waiting years for this game!!!!!! aye peeps what do they mean by fiscal 2008??????

The Bossman's photo
The Bossman 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:19 - Permalink

I guess this helps me in a way, it gives me more time to gather money for either an Xbox 360 or PS3 to play it on. It is a shame, but TBH I was expecting some sort of delay, although never one as long as this one... :( If they can make the game even better during those long months, then I'm glad because we can only benefit from it.

Gerard's photo
Gerard 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:24 - Permalink
Frankly it's hard to believe. They said that they were determined to meet deadline. They must have absolutely no choice.

That's just the way things go unfortunately. Just be glad they don't rush it

idiots i have been waiting years for this game!!!!!! aye peeps what do they mean by fiscal 2008??????

Don't call Rockstar idiots. Do you reckon you could make a better game? They're just delaying it for a few weeks or a couple of months to make sure it's good enough - if you've been waiting years than a few weeks won't make any difference.

A fiscal year is just the financial year of the company, where they work out their budget. Eg "in fiscal year 2007 we can spend m on making games". Rockstar's fiscal year ends 31st October, so they've pushed GTA IV back to the next fiscal year so it shows up in next year's books.

Silberio's photo
Silberio 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:25 - Permalink

I still dont get it.

Can ya explain it a lil' more detailed - Hehe.

Gerard's photo
Gerard 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:31 - Permalink

A fiscal year is a 12-month period used for calculating annual statements for a business. All budgets are worked out annually, so "this year we will spend $xxx on this and $xxx on that". Every company has to make its financial statements and budgets and intentions public, which is exactly what the Investor Relations site is for. The fiscal year is just when that company decides to have these budgets and statements starting and finishing from.

Here, Rockstar have decided that GTA IV won't be launched in fiscal year 2007, it will be launched in fiscal year 2008 instead. Rockstar decided to start their fiscal year every 31st October.

EDIT:

They have said GTA IV will be released in the "second quarter of fiscal year 2008" which means February, March or April.

7.62mm's photo
7.62mm 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:41 - Permalink

guys its probably for the PS3 version since they werent really done with that. They are probably searching for bugs, maybe adding a better multiplayer? :P

The Bossman's photo
The Bossman 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:52 - Permalink

no, it's for both the 360 version and the PS3 version -

Take-Two is reducing its fiscal 2007 guidance primarily to reflect the movement of the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 to fiscal 2008, due to additional development time required to complete the title.
Kitsune Inferno's photo
Kitsune Inferno 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:53 - Permalink

What a bummer. But at least with the delay, I can make sure that I have enough money for it.

Chris's photo
Chris 2nd August, 2007 @ 21:53 - Permalink
guys its probably for the PS3 version since they werent really done with that. They are probably searching for bugs, maybe adding a better multiplayer? :P

No, it's only 2 weeks behind they said.

the bossman: Read his post again ^

fatalgamer's photo
fatalgamer 2nd August, 2007 @ 22:03 - Permalink

The info about the confrence call is rather usless. You have to be a share holder or someone finacially involved. I called to find out.

Bear's photo
Bear 2nd August, 2007 @ 22:42 - Permalink

I would prefer that it was delayed and became a great game then released in October and full of bugs and glitches.

MrLlamaLlama's photo
MrLlamaLlama 2nd August, 2007 @ 22:51 - Permalink
I would prefer that it was delayed and became a great game then released in October and full of bugs and glitches.

A bit like VCS was. I think R* learnt from that, and i for one am glad that they're taking the time to polish the game up ready for release. It's gonna be awesome for sure, and may boost sales, because it's 'dodging' the Halo release a bit. Though thety may not amke the christams sales, there will be more anticipation, and so more people will buy IMO.

Andrew91's photo
Andrew91 2nd August, 2007 @ 22:59 - Permalink

I'm only a little upset about this.. But like most people are saying, this is probably for the better.

bvs21's photo
bvs21 2nd August, 2007 @ 23:02 - Permalink

Well, VCS deserves to be known as a high quality game. I loved its graphics and features. Not too many glitches either. I wouldn't be surprised if GTA4 was even better because of this delay.

MrLlamaLlama's photo
MrLlamaLlama 2nd August, 2007 @ 23:10 - Permalink
Well, VCS deserves to be known as a high quality game. I loved its graphics and features. Not too many glitches either. I wouldn't be surprised if GTA4 was even better because of this delay.

Are you fucking kidding me mate? VCS had more glitches thatn any other GTA game to date. The graphics coulda been better aswell, considering those showcased on some other PSP titles. /rant.

So yeah, it'll undoubtedlty be better for this delay. Both game - wise and marketing-wise, IMO...

justhes's photo
justhes 2nd August, 2007 @ 23:19 - Permalink

oh my god now we have to wait lets all cry together, take a deep breath and slowly let all that anger out, ad ahh the peace.

7.62mm's photo
7.62mm 2nd August, 2007 @ 23:28 - Permalink

At least we are promised a sweet as game. :mellow: Just have to wait till next year?! :o

Sherman's photo
Sherman 2nd August, 2007 @ 23:32 - Permalink

Awesome! More development time = great.

Rashon.'s photo
Rashon. 2nd August, 2007 @ 23:35 - Permalink

We knew this would happen eventually but I didn't expect its delay to be announced months before the original release date and I never expected it to be delayed 4-6 months.

Slyde's photo
Slyde 3rd August, 2007 @ 00:36 - Permalink

I'm actually quite happy about this. I'm kind of use to waiting..

Of course, i still have to wait of a pc version if it is going to come out.

Gycu's photo
Gycu 6th August, 2007 @ 16:58 - Permalink

GREAT! I expected some good news this week :( That means the PC version will be delayed too :cry:

flippy888's photo
flippy888 19th August, 2007 @ 15:45 - Permalink
The official release date for GTA IV will be the 4th April 2008

Rockstar North announced in Edinburgh, Scotland today

TOXIC's photo
TOXIC 19th August, 2007 @ 16:49 - Permalink
The official release date for GTA IV will be the 4th April 2008

Rockstar North announced in Edinburgh, Scotland today

Yeha babe...if this the date, i mean 4+4=08 its gonna be gr8.

by the time i'll be xtremely free to do anethin' i like...all my exams...finally...over...O.V.E.R.

hope for the best from this delay...

Wheelman101's photo
Wheelman101 23rd August, 2007 @ 07:00 - Permalink
Awesome! More development time = great.

lol soo true