View Full Version : 15. GTA IV Delay: Smart Move or PS3’s Fault? - By Yousty


Lono_Lives
12-31-2007, 07:43 PM
December 31st, 2007 · No Comments (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/2007/12/12-gta-iv-delay-smart-move-or-ps3s-fault.html#comments)

by Yousty (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/author/yousty/)
http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/countdown-banner29.gif (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/top-100)
http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/gta4delay.png

October 16th, 2007. That was the original launch date for GTA IV. Then the bad news came that the next installment in the world’s most popular violent video game series would be delayed 6 months. Not only was this in itself huge news, but it started a huge flame war on the internet between fanboys, because there was a rumor flying around that the reason for the delay was due to Rockstar having problems developing it on the PS3.

Find out why I think the delay of GTA IV has absolutely nothing to do with the PS3 and was actually a good thing after the jump.


Raise your hand if you think there were way too many great games released in the past 3 months. If you don’t have your hand raised then you are obviously not a gamer, because these past three months have arguably been the best three months in the history of video games. Almost every single week brought us an amazing new must-play title and left us all having to choose which game not to buy because our wallets couldn’t handle buying all the games we really wanted.

This is the main reason I think that Rockstar pushed back their launch date. They took a look at the ridiculously crowded fall lineup and knew that people were going to have to make tough decisions on which games to purchase. Not only that, but their original launch date was only a few weeks after the biggest game launch in history (a little title by the name of Halo 3). It would have been stupid to launch so near that industry dominator.

In my opinion, Rockstar made one of the smartest business decisions possible when they decided to delay GTA IV. This gives them the opportunity to:

Launch during a slow period in game releases.
Take advantage of the larger console install base.
Build more hype.
Perfect the game.What it really all comes down to is #4. I would much rather they delay the game a year if they have to if it means we get the best possible product they can deliver, rather than rushing it out the door and trying to fix all the bugs later. So let me be the first to thank Rockstar for delaying their most highly anticipated game ever in order to make it the best possible game they can.

Thank you, Rockstar.

Click here for the rest of Sarcastic Gamer’s Top 100 Gaming Moments from 2007 all in one place! (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/top-100)

Garwalker
01-03-2008, 11:28 AM
After the last trailer, it looks as if the game's graphics have been knocked down a few notches. I don't think it will matter much because this game is going to sell through the roof even if it plays like San Andreas.

Yousty
01-03-2008, 04:09 PM
After the last trailer, it looks as if the game's graphics have been knocked down a few notches.

I was wondering if I was going crazy, because I seemed to be the only one that noticed a difference in graphics quality between the two trailers. I watch all of my trailers in HD (thanks to an IGN subscription) and I remember watching the first trailer and being like, "Holy Sh*t! That game is beautiful!"

Then after watching the newest trailer, I was like, "Hey, what happened to all of the pretty?"


Makes me wonder how legit that first trailer really was.

rothbart
01-03-2008, 04:12 PM
This game wasn't ready for release, plain and simple. If it was, it's one of the few games that could have waged battle with all the big names this past fall.

I don't buy for a second it was ready on time and simply held back for the PS3 version. The gaming press "buzz" wasn't OMGWTFBBQ! It was a lot more skeptical. And to wait until 2-3 weeks before it's supposed due date and knock it back 6 months... that's not "tweaking" time, that's "finishing" time.

Link97
01-08-2008, 06:39 PM
The game will still sell.

ChorleyDominic
01-09-2008, 08:22 AM
Yeah they've got plenty of time to get the hype machine on overdrive now.

Butters1924
01-30-2008, 08:54 PM
I reserved this game almost 1 year ago, paid in full "64.49"
I couldnt wait to get my hands on it for my birthday in october but then...it was delayed till spring 2008. Now i sit and wait, and buy more xbox360 games that total up to cost me my entire arm. >.< But its worth it :)

dakman33
02-16-2008, 02:01 AM
I thought I saw somewhere the other day that it's now been postponed until summer or fall of 08. Anyone know the "alledged" release of it now?
Additionally, is there still a contractual reason why the game can't be released on both Sony and 360 at the same time and does anyone see a business case for this anymore?

Just wondering.

Sinfulfate
02-16-2008, 02:05 AM
It comes out on the 29th of April. Rockstar confirmed it.

http://kotaku.com/348426/grand-theft-auto-iv-dated-for-april

dakman33
02-16-2008, 02:06 AM
It comes out on the 29th of April. Rockstar confirmed it.

That's beautiful!
Any idea then on the xbox version or will they release at the same time?

Sinfulfate
02-16-2008, 02:10 AM
That's beautiful!
Any idea then on the xbox version or will they release at the same time?

There both released at the same time. Get your pre-order in now :)

dakman33
02-16-2008, 02:12 AM
There both released at the same time. Get your pre-order in now :)



Yee-Haw!! Thanks for the info!!

Link97
02-17-2008, 11:20 PM
Its a smart move because than they have extra time to perfect the game.

paulmess7
03-27-2008, 05:41 PM
Don't you guys realize that the delay was so Mr Jack Thompson could Beta test it first? :P

SWF Joker
03-29-2008, 04:28 AM
PS3's Fault

Rockstar even said it didnt help

Emophia
03-29-2008, 06:01 PM
PS3's Fault

Rockstar even said it didnt help

They said it's was a contribution, not it's fault.

The delay was so they could make the netcode for teh 16 player online.

Hooded Vendetta
03-31-2008, 06:47 AM
Obviously PS3 had some doing in the delay, I think the main reason was to sort out the Multiplayer online side of things, As that was just announced I think they were just cramming as much gametypes in as possible :)

Its a good thing that it got delayed, yeah we could be playing it right now but would we be dissapointed? or felt slightly let down by the online side of things?

I think so.