To paraphrase George Carlin, I’d pray to Niko Bellic. He looks like a guy who can get things done. Niko Bellic doesn’t fuck around..
No surprise to most people, Grand Theft Auto IV shattered records upon release last week. Just how bad did they do it though?
Well, they made 500 million. They sold 3.6 million copies globally the FIRST DAY, and around 3 million in the week following. That trounces Halo 3‘s 300 million for the first week pretty soundly, and gives GTA IV the title of top entertainment release ever.
It’s also claimed the top spot on Xbox Live, as you must know if you’ve signed on in the last week, and given fuel for more than one newsreporter’s “IS LIFE IMITATING ART?!?” scare piece (like this one).
Boring press release follows-
“We knew Grand Theft Auto IV would break new ground in terms of the player’s experience, with its compelling story line, extraordinary gameplay and action that ranges over a broad urban canvas. Now, it has broken sales and rating records as well. Grand Theft Auto IV’s first week performance represents the largest launch in the history of interactive entertainment, and we believe these retail sales levels surpass any movie or music launch to date. We congratulate the entire Rockstar team on creating a must-have experience that takes the legendary Grand Theft Auto franchise to a new level,” said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two.
“Rockstar’s goal is to make each new title in the Grand Theft Auto franchise even better than those that preceded it, and Grand Theft Auto IV is a smashing success on that score. Grand Theft Auto IV makes full use of the power of next generation technology, and offers players an experience unique in the interactive entertainment medium. This game sets a new standard in the industry, with critics hailing it as both an artistic and technological masterpiece,” said Ben Feder, Take-Two’s Chief Executive Officer.