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Epic Game Store's Mega Sale is back, and 'GTA V' is free
The leaks were true. The Epic Games Store's latest free game is 'Grand Theft Auto V'. You can grab the game for free until May 21st.
It looks like ‘GTA V’ is the next Epic Games Store giveaway
'GTA V' could be available for free on Epic Games Store.
'GTA Online' gets competitive F1 racing today
Rockstar refuses to let GTA Online die, and why would it when it's one of the company's biggest moneymakers? If you haven't played GTA 5's online component in a while, today's update may convince you to step back into the world of San Andreas. Rockstar is adding a new competitive racing mode to GTA Online called Open Wheel Races that allows you to drive the game's equivalent of F1 cars against other players.
'GTA4' is returning to Steam next month without multiplayer
Grand Theft Auto 4 will return to Steam on March 19th after it was abruptly pulled from the digital storefront last month due to an issue with Microsoft's defunct Games for Windows Live service. Developer Rockstar Games will rerelease the game, as well as its Episodes from Liberty City DLC, as a single package called Grand Theft Auto 4: Complete Edition. Unfortunately, Complete Edition won't include online multiplayer or leaderboards.
'GTA4' leaves Steam after an old Microsoft service breaks game sales
Rockstar is learning first hand about the pitfalls of trusting your game's functionality to a third-party service. The developer has confirmed to The Verge that it stopped selling Grand Theft Auto 4 on Steam after Microsoft stopped supporting the Games for Windows Live platform the title depends on. It's "no longer possible" to create the extra game keys needed to sell GTA4, a Rockstar spokesperson said. You can still play the Steam version if you already have a copy, but newcomers will have to go somewhere else to experience Niko Bellic's life of crime.
Rockstar rolls out its own PC games launcher
Following other publishers such as EA and Ubisoft, Rockstar Games is rolling out a games launcher for Windows PC. It'll pull your Rockstar titles together in one place, including those you've bought through other stores such as Steam (though it doesn't support some games).
‘GTA: Online’ opens the doors to The Diamond Casino & Resort
The wait is over for GTA: Online's long-rumored "Vinewood Casino." The Diamond Casino & Resort opened its doors today. The "sprawling entertainment and luxury living complex" offers plenty to bet on, including roulette, blackjack and three card poker, plus slot machines and horse racing. And if gambling isn't your thing, you can always hangout in the infinity pool on the roof or customize your master penthouse.
Popular GTA modder tool receives a Cease and Desist from Take Two
After nearly ten years in operation, popular Grand Theft Auto modder software OpenIV has been taken offline by its developers after they reportedly received a cease and desist letter from Take Two Interactive.
Windows 10 is getting a picture-in-picture mode
Microsoft just made it easier to use multiple applications at once on Windows 10, especially when dealing with video-focused programs. The company released Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 15031 to developers today, and the main attraction is the introduction of so-called Compact Overlay windows.
Rockstar owner sues the BBC over upcoming GTA drama
When the BBC announced it was making a docudrama about Rockstar Games and the Grand Theft Auto franchise, we assumed it had the blessing of the games' creators. Not so. As IGN reports, Rockstar Games, via its parent company Take-Two Interactive, has filed a lawsuit against the broadcaster over trademark infringement. In a statement, the company says Rockstar Games "has had no involvement" with the project and that it's attempted "multiple times" to resolve the matter with the BBC. The show is being developed under the working title "Game Changer," and it's safe to assume Rockstar, its pivotal employees and the franchise itself will be named in the show. Daniel Radcliffe has already been cast as Rockstar co-founder Sam Houser, alongside Bill Paxton as Jack Thompson, a former attorney that famously campaigned against the game franchise. If the one-off TV drama is to go ahead as planned, it's vital that the BBC settles this legal dispute quickly.
Daniel Radcliffe confirmed for BBC 'Grand Theft Auto' drama
The rumors were true. The BBC's new Grand Theft Auto drama will feature two heavyweight stars: Daniel Radcliffe as Rockstar Games co-founder Sam Houser and Bill Paxton as Jack Thompson, a former attorney that famously campaigned against the video game franchise. It's being developed under the working title "Game Changer" and will focus on the series' cultural impact, particularly around violence in video games.
UK schools threaten to report parents who let their kids play 18+ games
If your child is playing 18-rated games such as Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto, you could be reported to the police and social services. That's the message being sent to parents by a group of primary and secondary schools in Cheshire. In a letter, the Nantwich Education Partnership has warned parents about the levels of violence and sexual content that are prevalent in mature games. It says regular exposure could lead to "early sexualised behaviour" and leave children "vulnerable to sexual exploitation or extreme violence." Some parents have already voiced their disapproval, but headteachers say they're merely following the guidance set by their local authority: "If your child is allowed to have inappropriate access to any game or associated product that is designated 18+, we are advised to contact the police and children's social care as this is deemed neglectful."
The BBC is creating a TV drama based on the making of 'Grand Theft Auto'
As part of a major initiative to get the UK into coding, the BBC is creating a new TV show based on the making of Rockstar's best-selling game series Grand Theft Auto. Not much is known about the show; the BBC simply states that a "new BBC Two drama based on Grand Theft Auto" is on its way. According to Guy Cocker, who has been working on the show, the drama will be based on the making of the game, rather than the game itself. A release date for the show hasn't been nailed down yet either, although the related "Make it Digital" campaign kicks off this fall, which may give us a clue.
Elders wait for traffic, play Grand Theft Auto 5
The Fine Brothers offered another React Gaming video, but unlike the youthful ones in the past, this one features senior citizens taking Grand Theft Auto 5 out for a spin. The charming video shows the elderly folks stealing cars, shooting civilians and above all else, obeying traffic signals. Grand Theft Auto 5's PC version will launch on March 24. The channel's previous reaction videos included teens playing Mario Kart 64, commenting on the Game Boy as well as just plain sucking at Mega Man. Another video features Game of Thrones' Maisie Williams discussing the absurdness of Nintendo's NES. Now that The Fine Brothers delved into senior players reacting to video games, we don't know if these videos make us feel overly young or old. [Image: Rockstar Games]
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars updated on iOS, out now on Android
When Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars launched on iOS devices in 2010, it wasn't offered as a universal app, meaning that one purchase wouldn't grant players versions of the game for both iPhone and iPad. Four years later, developer Rockstar Games has fixed that – a new patch has added universal support for iOS 7.0 devices or later to both versions of the game, along with touched-up visuals and MFi controller support. App Store shoppers will see both versions of Chinatown Warriors, but as Touch Arcade reports, Rockstar will eventually retire the iPad version of the game. Fans that previously purchased the iPad version will have Chinatown Wars and its update in their purchase history, so the streets of Liberty City should remain open to them after Rockstar pulls the iPad build. Either version of Chinatown Wars is $2.99 on the App Store, and an Android version with "enhanced graphics, lighting and explosion effects" launched earlier this week at the same price. [Image: Rockstar Games]
'GTA V' is finally getting online heists in early 2015, see them in action here
It's no secret that four-player online heists are coming to Grand Theft Auto Online, but information on what Rockstar's new co-op missions will entail has remained scarce. Well, thanks to an in-depth interview with IGN and a brand new trailer (embedded below), we're finally getting an idea of what we can expect when the company drops the long-awaited DLC early next year. According to GTA Online producer Imran Sarwar, the update will deliver "five unique strands involving over 20 total missions, which will add up to around 20 hours of gameplay." Each online mission will require four players who have levelled to rank 12 or higher, with one player assigned the role of leader.
PSA: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas HD now available for Xbox 360
Rockstar's recently-revealed port of open-world crime simulator Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is now eligible for release from the company's virtual, metaphorical prison system and is seeking rehabilitation on Xbox 360 systems. If you're looking to relive Carl "CJ" Johnson's adventures in sunny San Andreas, you'll need 2.05 GB of free hard drive space and $3.74 (or £2.99 if you're in the UK) to pay bail. Get it? Bail? 'Cause it's a game about crime! Have fun, you rapscallions. [Image: Rockstar Games]
Red Dead Redemption rides again in latest GTA Online jobs
In its latest round-up of noteworthy, fan-crafted jobs found within Grand Theft Auto Online, the Rockstar Games blog pays tribute to the developer's classic 2010 western action-adventure Red Dead Redemption. Included in today's list are ten jobs inspired by and seeking to reimagine Red Dead Redemption within the engine that powers Grand Theft Auto 5. The PlayStation 3's "Grab The Bag" job recreates the Red Dead Redemption multiplayer mode of the same name where four teams compete for control of a bag by gunning one another down. "Tall Trees," by contrast, lifts its setting from a popular Red Dead Redemption hunting area, but in lieu of hunting bears and cougars, players take part in a deathmatch armed exclusively with pistols and shotguns. For full details on all ten jobs and links to where you can download the maps for your own enjoyment, click through to Rockstar's website. [Image: Rockstar Games]
Grand Theft Auto lead buys a big, beautiful church
Rockstar North President Leslie Benzies purchased St. Stephen's Church in Edinburgh, Scotland, with the intent to prolong its role as a community venue for arts, theater and music gatherings. St. Stephen's Church is just half a mile from Benzies' home, and the purchase was "entirely philanthropic," spokesperson Philip Johnston told Edinburgh News. The deal was thought to exceed £500,000. Benzies is the lead developer on the Grand Theft Auto series, from Grand Theft Auto 3 onwards. "The preservation of St. Stephen's church as a community center meets a pressing need as well as protecting an important historical building," Johnston said. "We are delighted that we can help bring the church back to its former glory, securing its future whilst providing a renovated local and performing arts centre that will benefit the wider community." The church features the longest clock pendulum in Europe and a 160-foot tower, with performance space that can hold 800 people. Edinburgh News reported that St. Stephen's Church had been a community center for the past 20 years, but recently, it'd been used less. Benzies out-bid more than 50 other potential buyers, some of whom wished to turn the church into bars, restaurants or private residences. "We will engage with the community as the plans progress and look forward to welcoming local residents and groups back to the centre in the very near future," Johnston said. [Image: Malcolm McCurrach]
Star Citizen's new persistent universe director loves economic, strategic gameplay
How important is Star Citizen's persistent universe? Important enough that Chris Roberts has hired game industry veteran Tony Zurovec to oversee its direction. "The game has become so big that I can't actually direct every single aspect of it every single moment of the day," Roberts explains at the outset of a new 40-minute interview vid posted on Cloud Imperium's official site. Zurovec previously worked with Roberts at Origin and Digital Anvil. He also developed the Crusader series and brings a love of economic and strategic gameplay on a galactic scale to the table. Roberts also mentions Zurovec's work on an unreleased Digital Anvil game called Loose Cannon that was essentially "Privateer on wheels" and a pre-cursor to the sort of open-world sandbox mayhem found in Grand Theft Auto III and its sequels. Click past the cut to watch the full interview.
