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Rockstar's Dan Houser disses casual gaming, explains process of rebuilding NYC
Dan Houser, Vice President of creativity for Rockstar Games, has apparently never enjoyed the visceral thrill of creating a Mii in his own likeness and entering the boxing ring with a similarly Mii-ified version of Adolf Hitler -- or else we assume he wouldn't have dropped the following foul-mouthed quote in an interview with New York Magazine: "Yeah, fuck all this stuff about casual gaming." Poignant, no?He goes on to explain that while the warm reception of Nintendo's latest console is "fantastic", gamers still want games with production values and narratives that rival those of big-budget movies, much like the titles produced by Rockstar. The rest of the interview is actually a very intriguing look at how the Grand Theft Auto IV team meticulously built a city using the Big Apple as their inspiration, but something tells us that the rest of the story might get overshadowed by that one particular sound bite.
Video: Conan plays a less controversial GTAIV
Oh how we love Conan O' Brien and iconic string dance ... it's epic stuff. But that's not why we bring up Mr. O' Brien's name, the real reason is because the other night he debuted the newest edition of Grand Theft Auto IV. A friendlier, happier and much less controversial edition of GTAIV so that parents and critics can play free of the mature content. Ah heck, just watch the clip, laugh if you want or be a Conan hater. All we have to say is WE LOVE SPRINGTIME![Thanks, Johnson Chen]
Sorry, no GTA2 for you Mr. Xbox Live Arcade
Recently, a countdown clock over on Rockstar's official Grand Theft Auto 2 website caused a rumor to Spring up speculating that, when the countdown expired at the end of May, Rockstar would announce that GTA2 would be releasing to the XBLA. But, sadly, that isn't the case.IGN confirmed with Rockstar that the countdown clock in question isn't counting down to any new announcement and is actually quite old. It was used once, way back in the 1990s to countdown to GTA2's release onto the PS1. But why the 2008 countdown expiration? Simple. The countdown code is messed up because it doesn't understand how to take into account the 2000s. So, no GTA2 for the XBLA, no new announcement, just an old clock that should have been removed ages ago.
GTAIV: Candidate for most costly game to develop
If you had to take a guess, how high would you say Grand Theft Auto IV's development budget went? We'll wait for your answer ... Have a guess? Good. Now this is where we tell you that GTAIV's producer Leslie Benzies "hazards a guess" that GTAIV took around $100 million to create. A number that, if true, would make it the most expensive game to develop ever beating out longtime record holder Shenmue which rang up a $70 million development bill back in the Dreamcast days. But don't feel bad for team Rockstar and their (potential) $100 million GTAIV development debt, because it's 98.5% certain that they already made their money back plus a hefty profit. Liberty City works money magic.
Video: Liberty City has a heart
So begins the discovery of Grand Theft Auto IV Easter eggs with the big lady herself, the Statue of Happiness who we recently found to be very collectible. This Easter egg (embedded above) shows us what's really hidden deep inside the chest of Liberty City's Statue of Happiness and really, it's exactly what we expected. A giant, bloody pumping heart that's held in place by a few chains. Very sexy. You'll have to fast forward to the end of the video to see the Easter egg, but it's worth it in a gory, disgusting yet very loving way.[Via Digg]
It's a really real GTAIV Statue of Happiness
Cruisin' the streets of GTAIV's Liberty City, one will come across a few of the city's unique attractions and landmarks, some being interesting and some iconic. Liberty City's Statue of Happiness falls both under the interesting and iconic categories. Her overly large smile, green complexion and hand holding a Rockstar cup is a sight to see. That's why when we came across a really real and uber collectible Statue of Happiness promotional ... uh, statue, we just had to share. Isn't it delicious? If you're reading this Rockstar, we beg you. Send us a case full of happiness. We promise to treat each one with the love and care they deserve to keep the smile on each Statue of Happiness' face.
Video: GTAIV 360 versus GTAIV PS3
Being fanboys, we just can't 't be satisfied with a great gaming experience like Grand Theft Auto IV when it's a multi-platform game and comparisons between a 360 and a PS3 version can be made. It'd go against the fanboy code of conduct and be an opportunity that'd be inexcusably wasted. So, today we bring you a GTAIV comparison video that puts both the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions head to head ... erm, side by side. Pull out your magnifying glass, count each pixel and scrutinize the anti-aliasing, because there are comparisons to be made and a fanboy tradition to be upheld. For the most committed, watch the comparison video in full HD for a better analysis.
Analysts' GTAIV sales estimates too low?
As copies of GTAIV fly off retail shelves in what's nearly guaranteed to be an all-time video game sales record, Take-Two's CEO thinks analysts have underestimated GTAIV's sales.Take-Two's own Ben Feder talked to Reuters about their internal GTAIV sales estimates saying that "our expectations are very high, higher than analysts give the game credit for" and that "all the analysts had a (sales) number, give or take, and I think we will be on the upside of that rather than the downside." Lofty goals Mr. Feder, but we have a funny feeling your excessive optimism is actually warranted this time.
GTAIV's Social Club is open for business
If you haven't done so already, we advise signing up for GTAIV's Social Club right this very moment (well, after you finish reading all the goodness X3F has to offer) because it's open for business and ready to enhance your GTAIV experience.Just like any new fangled website that features video game integration, GTAIV's Social Club allows you to register an account, link your Xbox Live gamertag and let you seamlessly experience website to Xbox Live connectivity bliss. Once your gamertag is attached to your Social Club account and you've played GTAIV over Xbox Live, you'll then be able to keep tabs on multiplayer stats, earn a spot in the Hall of Fame, view the LCPD Police Blotter, be a part of the Story Gang, compete in the Liberty City Marathon and potentially earn your way into the uber l33t 100% Club. So go already, sign up for the Social Club and get your GTAIV game on. No true GTAIV enthusiast would be without a membership.
Seen @ Huntington GTA IV launch: A history of Nerf-related violence
The brave souls who soldiered through the vast queue at the Gamestop in downtown Huntington, W. Va. were put through a rigorous gauntlet of trials and tribulations before being rewarded with Rockstar's blockbuster shoot em' up -- including, but not limited to a freak, unseasonal cold front; a somewhat humorous (but unfortunately brief and unphotographed) drive-by water balloon strike; and alarming in-line discussions of bomb recipes and Sedan-mounted automatic weaponry.However, the most disturbing sight seen at the launch is pictured above -- a tragic crime scene, just a few feet away from the store's registers. These two poor fellows were just mere moments from claiming their respective copies of the much anticipated title, leaving behind a puzzling forensic tableau. Hastily driving from the event with copies of Grand Theft Auto IV in hand, we were left with these pertinent questions: What kind of altercation could have lead to this unfortunate double homicide? What modifications were made to the pictured Nerf guns that imbued them with lethal force? What sort of Crime Scene Investigation squad leaves behind the murder weapons in such a public place? Most importantly, why did Gamestop remain open following this horrible act of violence?
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!]
The Grand Theft Auto IV video dump
With today's dissolution of the embargo on all things Grand Theft Auto IV, came a veritable deluge of reviews and media related to the game. By now, we've seen all the teasers released by Rockstar, and read the write-ups which were hidden behind the floodgates just a few hours ago. However, in this maelstrom of perfect scores and cinematic trailers, there hasn't been much in the way of actual gameplay footage -- until Gametrailers cracked open their secret stash, revealing a bevy of cutscenes, car chases, and call girls just aching to be viewed by the impatient crime drama enthusiast. We've got some highlights after the jump; those purposefully trying to remain in the dark would be well advised to steer clear. You've been warned!(You probably don't need us to tell you that some videos are NSFW.)
A flood of GTAIV reviews incoming
Get ready fanboys, because today at around 12 noon eastern time the Grand Theft Auto IV review embargo will be lifted as numerous gaming sites publish their official reviews of GTAIV. Not that we don't already know that the game will kick a bunch of bum. As of this posting, GTAIV is sitting a solid 100 average on metacritic after four reviews from sites like IGN and OXM UK, so it'll be interesting to see how the average moves as the day goes on. Keep your eye on the GTAIV metacritic site, put on your reading glasses and get comfy, because a wall of review text is coming. The other option is to visually take in GTAIV by Googling your way to some leaked GTAIV gameplay videos. That's always fun ...
GameStop's list-o-GTAIV midnight release stores
If getting Grand Theft Auto IV when the clock strikes midnight on Tuesday, April 29th is of uber importance, then you'll probably have to head to either Best Buy or GameStop. And since Best Buy's midnight launches are rather minimal, that will probably leave the majority of you standing in line at GameStop. But which GameStop store should you wait at? Enter the GameStop list-o-GTAIV midnight release stores! Encapsulated in a nice, easy to read PDF is a list of U.S. GameStop stores who'll be holding GTAIV midnight releases. Also note that you'll probably require a pre-order prior to the midnight festivities. Or you could always wait an extra twelve hours and pickup a free $10 gift card at Circuit City. It's up to you though ... [Via Joystiq]
GTAIV pre-order deals and offers roundup
Grand Theft Auto IV Tuesday is rapidly approaching and we've been asked time and time again: where should I pre-order or buy my copy of GTAIV? And for a while, we weren't sure seeing that most pre-order offers were scattered all over and details about launch deals were still secret. But thanks to Gaming Bits, we have a pretty good idea at what each major retailer in the U.S. has planned for GTAIV's launch and which ones are offering the best deals. So, without further delay, make your way to the break to view what pre-order deals stores like Best Buy, Circuit City, Gamestop, Amazon.com and Game Crazy have to offer for April 29th's GTAIV release.Oh, and just in case you wanted the one HOT GTAIV offer for Tuesday, we'd go with Circuit City. According to a leaked Sunday ad, there will be no pre-order necessary and (if you can wait until Tuesday morning) you'll get a free $10 gift card with the purchase of any GTAIV edition. W00t![Via Slick Deals]
Building size GTAIV mural ads take over LA, NY
Promoting a projected $400 million first week sales video game is no easy task, where sometimes you have to ignore traditional metro transit advertising and reach towards the sky. Reach way, way up.Gigantic advertisement murals have been popping up on buildings in select cities around the U.S. including LA and New York promoting Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto IV. And as you can see in the image above, these advertisements are HUGE! We're also told that the one of the NY ads was hand painted on the brick building's exterior. Nice! It's amazing art, it's an amazing advertising campaign and it's amazing to see how deep Take-Two's marketing pockets really are.Read - GTAIV mural in LARead - GTAIV mural in NY
Best Buy: Buy GTAIV and a 360, get a $50 gift card
Grand Theft Auto IV enthusiasts who have yet to "jump in" to the next gen, listen up. We came across a preview of next week's Best Buy retail ad and, tucked inside, we learn that the big box retailer will be offering up $50 gift cards to customers who purchase GTAIV and any Xbox 360 console. The gift card card offer is only valid if GTAIV and a new 360 are purchased on the same receipt, so one could expect to take up their offer beginning next Tuesday, April 29th when GTAIV is on store shelves. A free $50 Best Buy gift card ... it's a good thing.[Thanks, Jim]
Midnight Club LA: NA/Euro release dates announced
Today Rockstar Games announced the North American and European release dates for the next-gen debut of the Midnight Club series. Midnight Club: Los Angeles will hit on September 9 and 12 for North America and Europe respectfully. Using Rockstar's RAGE engine, first featured in Rockstar Presents Table Tennis, the San Diego team has beautifully crafted Los Angeles in a day-and-night cycle complete with dynamic weather effects. Midnight Club: Los Angeles will also follow in Grand Theft Auto IV's lead, utilizing features from the newly established Rockstar Games Social Club.For those who have yet to see the GDC trailer we have embedded it after the jump.
Rumor: GTAIV may get entire new city DLC
In the back of our fanboy minds we're all fully aware that Microsoft's $50 million Grand Theft Auto IV DLC purchase will give 360 gamers an extra bullet point over the competition all while giving us more GTAIV to love. But never in our wildest dreams did we think the 360 exclusive GTAIV DLC would be huge, new city huge ... but that's what the latest rumor is on the streets. A GTAIV article that ran in the print edition of CVG claims that DLC expansions "are to GTA IV what Vice City or San Andreas were GTA III" and that "Rockstar is clearly hinting at new downloadable cities". Expansions that could open Liberty City up to suburbs, entirely new cities or returning classics like San Andreas or Vice City. We don't want to get too excited seeing that such DLC talk is planted firmly in the rumor garden, but if the DLC turns out to be new city size in scale then we'd dance around our house like little GTAIV school girls. Yes sir, that would be awesome.[Via Joystiq]
GTA IV nabs gold, hides out until April 29
Years in the making. Anticipation of epic proportions. Finally you hear the words you've longed for since it was first teased on an executive's bicep; Grand Theft Auto IV has gone gold and is being pressed as we speak.Releasing on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on April 29, 2008, Rockstar Games' GTA IV marks a fresh chapter in one of the most controversial game universes, ever.Expected to increase hardware sales and lower productivity around the globe, GTA IV is 11 days away from retail and our excitement couldn't even be described. So how are you spending the next 11 days?
