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New Zealand receiving Australian censored version of GTA IV despite R18 classification
Australia has a long, tumultuous history when it comes to video game censorship -- largely due to the fact that their system of video game classification currently lacks a rating above MA15+, meaning any game deemed too intense for 15-year-olds is often censored (or even banned, in some extreme cases). However, just a stone's skip across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand provides a more favorable environment for mature titles, whipping out the Banhammer and the Censorstick much less often than its Southwestern Pacific counterpart.You can imagine our surprise when we read that the version of Grand Theft Auto IV that will be tailored to Australia's OFLC guidelines will also be the only version available in New Zealand. It seems that the debaucherous adventures of Niko Bellic were deemed inappropriate by the somewhat hipper Kiwi chapter of the OFLC, much to the chagrin of the thousands of Australians who pre-ordered the naughty version of the game from New Zealand's online gaming retailers. Oddly enough, the version of GTA IV that will be sold in fellow Oceania nation Papua New Guinea will not only be uncensored, but will be accompanied by an actual foul-mouthed, gun-toting hooker. In the words of New Zealand pop sensation OMC, "How Bizarre, How Bizarre!"[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
ESRB reminds parents GTA IV isn't for children
The ESRB and National Institute on Media and the Family would like to remind (naïve) parents that Grand Theft Auto IV is not appropriate for children. In a joint statement by the two organizations, the groups point out GTA IV has been rated Mature for: Intense Violence, Blood, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Partial Nudity and Use of Drugs and Alcohol. What 12-year-old wouldn't beg to play that? It sounds awesome!The two organizations "encourage parents to be informed and exercise their discretion when considering the purchase of all M-rated games." The ESRB reminds that the average age of a gamer is now over 30 and that some titles are "clearly not intended" for kids. And GTA IV is clearly one of those games.
Blockbuster putting GTA IV on the 'new release' wall
Starting with Grand Theft Auto IV, Blockbuster Video will begin adding video games to the "sacred" outer new release wall. Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes tells Variety that the GTA IV launch is a "real springboard" for the company and it plans to use it as a centerpiece for moving games to where only the latest Hollywood releases used to tread. Now, granted, if this were before the advent of Gamefly this news would be much more exciting -- although, we'd still have to worry about pesky late fees. Blockbuster has been hurting in recent years as if faces competition from many angles, not the least of which is Netflix. This move for video games in Blockbuster doesn't seem so much like a sign of respect for the growing games industry, but as another desperate move by a company that's struggling to survive.
GameStop's GTA IV midnight launch mega-list
Gamestop recently released a mega-PDF of every store (in the States) opening at midnight for the Grand Theft Auto IV launch. We're pretty sure there's still plenty of time to get that pre-order in at Gamestop before April 29 occurs in your respective time zone.As always, customers shouldn't plan on showing up at the launch without a pre-order and expect a copy to be waiting like at other retailers. It's surprising to still find customers at every major midnight launch disappointed when the Gamestop clerk tells the people without a pre-order to take a walk. When will people learn that Gamestop has rules?!
PSA: GTA IV early release letters not real
We truly appreciate all the tips about the early release letters allegedly sent by Rockstar and Take-Two telling retailers to just go ahead and release GTA IV to the public ... problem is, it just ain't true. That's it, no need to get into details. The letters are nothing but fakes.Trust us, if GTA IV was given the green light to release early, the country planet would certainly know about it within an hour. The deceitful documents can be found in their entirety for perusal below. Gallery: Forged GTAIV Release Date Change Letters
Wal-Mart's GTA IV launch details
Wal-Mart's intranet, "The Wire," recently laid out how the maestro of retail will handle the Grand Theft Auto IV launch. As seen in the picture above -- with the full plan detailed in the gallery below -- 24-hour stores will begin selling the game at midnight and should be prepared for the launch. One of the more interesting parts in the "execution guide" states that Wal-Mart has a "strategic focus on winning in gaming, and GTA IV represents a strong opportunity for [it] to highlight [its] entry into the gaming industry." Customers are supposed to know that Wal-Mart is the: "Fastest way to play GTA IV."The guide describes that two associates should be manning the register, with one to ring up customers and the other to pass along the requested game version. If the line is too long, an electronics associate should "take quantities of the game to the front register and assist the cashier by handing out the game at time of purchase." Considering Wal-Mart went through the effort of making such a comprehensive guide, corporate would probably love to hear from customers who don't have a pleasant and efficient shopping experience during the GTA IV launch.**Metagame: The "execution guide" has a major error on Pg. 2, can you spot it? Hint after the break.[Thanks Anonymous]%Gallery-21162%
Chicago transit bans GTA IV ads
Using Chicago's street violence as a springboard, the city's FOX affiliate aired a piece about Grand Theft Auto IV ads on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Thanks to the report, all the GTA IV advertising will now be removed. As GamePolitics points out, the ads do not depict any scenes of violence and it's currently unknown what the CTA's policy is on advertising R-rated movies; the CTA also stopped an ad campaign back in 2004 for GTA: San Andreas. Boston, Denver and Portland, Oregon, have had similar issues with GTA ads on its public transportation system. Ironically, the FOX affiliate promotes alcohol on its website (picture after the break). Wonder how many people died of alcohol related incidents in Chicago this weekend?[Via GamePolitics]
Rumor: GTA IV DLC may include entirely new cities
We're vehement followers of the logic that if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is -- still, in cases like these, that doesn't stop us from wishing and hoping hard enough to make our noses bleed. The latest, Microsoft-endorsed, Grand Theft Auto IV special edition issue of Computer and Video Games magazine suggests that the 360 DLC is to the perfect scoring GTA IV as "Vice City or San Andreas were [to] GTA III," and later, in simpler terms, "Rockstar is clearly hinting at new downloadable cities" for the title.While this infinitely awesome feature might be technically and fiscally possible, we must keep a firm grasp on our cynically-tinted monocles until official confirmation arises. Still, it's tough not to wonder what cities Rockstar could build knock-off replicas of to add to their latest title -- perhaps an Atlantic City clone? A geographically-appropriate rendering of New Jersey? A mock-up of the bustling metropolis of Mud Lick, KY? The possibilities are endless!
GTA IV is gold and 'en route' to stores
Grand Theft Auto IV has gone gold and is "en route" to stores, which means any fears of an eleventh hour delay for the game can be squashed like a snitch's head in a vice. Take-Two's CEO, Ben Feder, stated during the shareholder's meeting last night that the game is in production and should arrive at retailers soon.GTA IV, expected to have a massive launch on Xbox 360 and PS3, won't be available to purchase until April 29. So, if you've got a friend working in retail who's got access to the stock room -- now's the time to tell them how much you love them!
Grand Theft Auto IV bundle available at Game UK retailer
In more Grand Theft Auto IV news, it looks like that Swedish GTA IV bundle is moving across Europe. Well, at least to the UK, that is. Spotted on British retail website, Game, the bundle is now available for pre-order. It is priced at a steep (for us Americans anyway) £319.99 (roughly US$640). Inside the box is a 40GB PS3 and a copy of GTA IV. As far as Britain is concerned, this one is as pricey as any of the other bundles, so it's not a bad deal really.[Via N4G]
Grand Theft Auto IV has gone gold, in transit
It looks like Grand Theft Auto IV is making good time on its way to an April 29 release. The game has gone gold which means (and you should all know this by now) that the game is done and being mass produced. In this case, however, GTA IV is not only gold but already mobile -- the games are shipping out to retailers.At this point, the only thing that could stop the game now is if they somehow found a mistake with the printing ... or if some impatient gamers plan a GTA of their own and steal one of the delivery trucks. We're not trying to make you worry with our doomsday scenarios -- just pointing out the possibilities. April 29 is less than two weeks away, are you excited?
Rockstar Social Club open for pre-registration
Rockstar Games' Social Club is now open for pre-registration before the site fully launches on April 29. All the site requires is your email address to sell to third parties, age (kids, make sure to lie) and zip code. As a bonus, those who pre-register will automatically be entered in a drawing for a drawing portrait to be created of their likeness in the GTA IV art style. Admittedly, that sounds cool enough to risk opening ourselves up to a mountain of spam. Time to make dummy email account #210.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
GTA IV the biggest HD launch of the year?
With the ability to break Halo 3's record of $300 million in sales its first week, Grand Theft Auto IV could set a record for the biggest debut ever for an entertainment product when it launches April 29, according to Variety. The fact that this time around Liberty City will be rendered in (as far as we know) 720p, makes it perfect for HDTV owners to sit down and have some quality time with. Whether your console gets its high definition movies downloaded or on disc, like some of us, many of you will be trading in the flicks for a ride with Niko Bellic -- but does that make it more anticipated than many of this year's upcoming blockbusters? Let us know in the comments, and feel free to drop an Xbox Live or PlayStation Network tag so we know who'll be putting in Mafiya Work later this month.
GTA IV 'better than all the hype suggests' according to first person to complete the game
We've seen our fair share of previews on Rockstar's crime drama opus, Grand Theft Auto IV, but we've yet to hear from someone who has enjoyed the bullet-riddled adventure in its entirety -- until Xbox World 360 editor Rob Taylor, after 24 hours of play time, triumphantly viewed the ending credits with the knowledge that he was the first person on the planet (aside from a gaggle of Rockstar employees, we assume) to finish GTA IV. Can someone be envied to death?Fulfilling his civic duty as a gaming journalist, Taylor gave his impressions of the complete work in a spoiler-free interview with GamesRadar -- unsurprisingly, he was a fan. The fourth installment apparently "craps on all the others" in the franchise, and the main character, Niko Bellic, is "most amazing protagonist in any game [he's] ever played." We suggest perusing the remainder of his colorful commentary to help pass the remaining twenty-three days and nine hours until the game lands in our quivering, anticipatory laps.
Australia gets censored GTA IV
The Age is reporting that Rockstar had to submit an edited version of Grand Theft Auto IV to the OFLC in order to receive a passing rating. Rockstar confirmed this, but did not clarify what the censored content was. The game officially earned an MA15+ rating last year, Australia's most restricted rating.This must be really saddening news for all you Aussies. Not only do you have to live with those horribly annoying OFLC ratings crowding your beloved box cover, but they also serve as cruel reminders of the censorship only you must endure. Sad indeed, especially after hearing the good news about the UK version.
Brand new GTA IV video captivates, then reminds you to pre-order
Did you think last week's trailer would be the last Grand Theft Auto IV footage you'd be seeing? Well, it's not. Here's one more. This time, the clip comes from a Gamestop video ad. You might have seen it if you've walked into a Gamestop store recently. If you haven't, then now is an excellent time to check it out. Learn even more about Liberty City: city of big dreams, beautiful women, and bold entrepreneurs.
Grand Theft Auto IV gets 18 certificate from BBFC
This bit of news is going to have an extra special meaning for all you Rockstar fans in Britain. After the whole debacle with the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) versus Manhunt 2, many of you may have worried about history repeating itself -- this time with the upcoming and equally controversial Grand Theft Auto IV. However, your worries should stop here for the BBFC has already passed Grand Theft Auto IV with an 18 certificate and with "no cuts made." This is excellent news for all those gamers in the UK looking forward to picking up GTAIV this coming April 29. As it stands, there shouldn't be any other snags barring the game from its expected release date. [Thanks enfo! Via MCV]
Introducing the Joystiq Grand Theft Auto IV page
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Joystiq_s_Grand_Theft_Auto_IV_central_hub'; Need a refresher on Liberty City? Check out our game page for all things Grand Theft Auto IV. Seriously, this is everything we've written on the game. Bookmark the page, as we'll be constantly updating.
Rumor: Complete list of GTA IV achievements leaked
We know that there are those of you who would rather remain in the dark about the pseudo-spoiler-laden list of supposed achievements for Grand Theft Auto IV that has been circulating message boards and gaming news sites as of late, so we'll considerately throw it behind the jump and avoid discussing any major bombshells which the list may or may not reveal.But that would make for a boring news post, so let's just say this -- we love the edginess in Rockstar's seminal crime series, but we think the "Gettin' Too Old For This S***" achievement, which rewards 50G for shooting a cop who's just two days from retirement, may stir up an amount of controversy that even Rockstar's razor-sharp legal team isn't ready to deal with.
Microsoft unloads 500 GTA IV Xbox 360 Elite consoles
While folks at the Xbox 360 repair lab know good and well how to strip a console back to its birthday suit, Microsoft is going the opposite direction with its limited run of Grand Theft Auto IV Elites. The console itself is purportedly blasted with automotive quality paint and each one is individually numbered. Apparently, the 500 units -- which look to come with a case full of peripherals -- are only being dished out to press outlets and the like, so it seems your only shot at actually acquiring one is by scouring the second hand market. Or you could just steal one and toss a Molotov cocktail behind as you're getting away -- that'd be fitting, we guess.[Via Xbox360Fanboy]
