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GTA: Vice City for iOS gets a trailer
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is the second in the "GTA3" series, available on the PS2 10 years ago (!) now. Unlike Grand Theft Auto 3, which featured a silent and anonymous protagonist, Vice City lets the player become Tommy Vercetti (voiced to a tee by Ray Liotta), a tough gangster from Liberty City who's decided to take over the Miami-like Vice City, in a story that recalls the best of Scarface and a host of other neon-drenched movies from the '80s. As previously announced, Rockstar Games is planning to bring Vice City out to the iOS platform, and they've released a new trailer that you can watch below. Yes, the graphics may be showing their age a little bit (it's weird to think there was a time when we were completely OK with GTA stars that didn't have fingers), but the classic game is still there, from the libidinous violence to the incredible '80s-flavored soundtrack. This is going to be a good homecoming for sure -- Vice City will be out next week, on December 6, for the iPad and the iPhone.
GTA Vice City PC 'temporarily' pulled from digital distributors over music licensing issue
Rockstar has decided to pull the PC version of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City from digital distributors for an undisclosed period while it deals with some licensing-related complications."Due to some music licensing issues, we've had to temporarily remove Vice City PC from digital stores. We'll make it available again as soon as possible," a statement to Game Informer reads. Rockstar hasn't specifically called out which song(s) are at the heart of this dispute, but tells Game Informer this current licensing issue won't affect the upcoming mobile port.Cinema Blend suggests it's Michael Jackson's "Wanna Be Startin' Something" that's the problem, which Sony Music Entertainment owns. If you've already purchased Vice City through Steam or your other favorite digital distributor, you should run into no problems installing and playing the game – unless you do, in which case you'll want to call your cousin Carl. He's real good with them computers.
Why Grand Theft Auto 5 is sticking to current-gen systems
Rockstar isn't holding Grand Theft Auto 5 for the next generation of consoles, whenever they may appear, because the current generation is "mature" enough to handle what the game has to offer, studio co-founder Dan Houser tells Famitsu (reported by Polygon). Besides, Rockstar isn't about to let any console tell it how to live its life."Rockstar is a content company, not a hardware company," Houser says. "We use the technology we have to create content, and we try not to let ourselves get beholden to the hardware. The fact that hardware's so mature right now is exactly why we're able to go on to the next level. GTA 4 was our first attempt at a new platform and HD visuals, so the first part of development was seriously difficult. Now we know what the hardware's capable of, so it's become a lot easier to move things along and a lot more fun, too."Rockstar isn't only familiar with development for the current generation, but the consoles themselves are at their peak performance, Houser says:"GTA: San Andreas came out at the peak of the PlayStation 2's cycle, and we put out a really good game thanks to that. All the best games for a console come out at the end of the life cycle, right? So now's the best timing of all."The second trailer for Grand Theft Auto 5 dropped today, starring the three main protagonists and a dog.
Grand Theft Auto 5's trailer two ensures you have one good day
This is Grand Theft Auto 5's second trailer since its debut video hit the net on November 2, 2011 (yes, more than a year ago). After 12 months of pondering, guessing and asking Take-Two when GTA5 would launch, we finally got a release window of spring 2013 last month. Since then, a stream of information has revealed that GTA5 features three main characters and Los Santos is the largest open world that Rockstar has ever built.
Grand Theft Auto 5's trio inspired by GTA 4 DLC storyline crossover
"It was partly just to do something totally new," Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser told the Guardian about the use of three separate protagonists in Grand Theft Auto 5. "Partly, too, it was because at that point we were deep into the work on the two DLC episodes of GTA IV, and we thought, well, the bits where all the stories cross over is kind of cool, so why don't we just do that in one game? So okay, let's just do multiple characters."The storyline of the game – and remember, GTA games have storylines when you're not just trying to jump motorcycles over buildings or create impressive piles of exploded fire trucks – follows a series of five to six "mega-heists" (the Guardian's term), and three characters who are all involved with the jobs, and with each other.In fact, the protagonists spend more time hanging out together than with other NPCs, Houser said. "If you're playing as Michael and you want to play a game of tennis, you can call up Franklin and ask him. You are actually getting to see the main bulk of the story and also spend time with these people off-mission – that side of it gives it a vibrancy that's a lot stronger than with [Grand Theft Auto 4's] Roman or anyone else."
Grand Theft Auto 4 PC drives its price down to $7.50 on Amazon
Hey, bud. You want a real steal? Yeah, you know the kind I'm talking about. The legal kind. Oh yeah.A PC download of Grand Theft Auto 4 complete edition is $7.50 on Amazon right now, 75 percent off the list price of $30. The Complete Collection includes the full game and Episodes from Liberty City. This might be a great time to make off with Grand Theft Auto 4 on the cheap, since Grand Theft Auto 5 is ramping up for a launch next spring.
Report: Grand Theft Auto 5 stars three main men, Los Santos is huge
Grand Theft Auto 5 features the three main protagonists pictured above, Game Informer reports. These three serious dudes should have plenty of room to roam around in, since Los Santos, the sunny Los Angeles of GTA's universe, is the largest open world Rockstar has ever created.UK magazine ShortList reports Grand Theft Auto 5 is tackling the same brutal subject matter of infamous mobster lore, and one of these protagonists is an East Coast gangster who moves to Los Santos for a fresh start, CVG says.The protagonist is committed to go clean, "but, as in The Godfather 3 – just as he thought he was out, they pulled him back in," CVG quotes ShortList.After tense months spent waiting to hear the release date of Grand Theft Auto 5, it's finally set to launch in spring 2013. Check out the full Game Informer cover featuring Grand Theft Auto 5 below.
Grand Theft Auto 5 now available for pre-order at popular retailers
Now that Grand Theft Auto 5 has an official launch window of "Spring 2013," several retailers have opened up pre-orders for Rockstar's latest. You can reserve your copy through Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop and more right now.The full list is available over at Rockstar, though we'd warn exercising caution at this point. Sure, you may want to pounce because you believe Grand Theft Auto 5 will sell like crazy – it probably will – but keep in mind that no retailer-specific pre-order incentives have been revealed yet. We can't imagine playing Grand Theft Auto 5 without the right bonus outfit and car like some kind of cretin.
Backup singer loses lawsuit against Take-Two over GTA: San Andreas
Michael "Shagg" Washington, supposed former Cypress Hill backup singer (though the band denied any affiliation), lost his 2010 lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games over alleged use of his likeness in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Wednesday. Washington claimed he met with the game's developers in 2003 to discuss his troubled youth and "street life." He first learned of his resemblance to the game's "CJ" character six years later, leading to the $250 million lawsuit.The California appeals court upheld the ruling in favor of Take-Two, in which the judge said the "plaintiff is relying entirely on CJ's physical appearance in the game, but that appearance is so generic that it necessarily includes hundreds of other black males." The lack of evidence in whether Take-Two actually used Washington's likeness, in addition to a failed test for insufficiently transformative use, led to Washington losing the case.
Take-Two revenue up 155% during Q2, outlook removes $600 million following GTA 5 delay
Take-Two had a great second quarter (ending September 30), with revenues of $273.1 million, a 155 percent increase from the $107 million in the previous Q2. At the end of the day, however, the company did have a net loss of $12.5 million, which is still significantly better than the $123.3 loss from the same period last year.The big gun during the quarter was Borderlands 2, which shipped over 5 million units, along with catalog sales of Grand Theft Auto 4 and Red Dead Redemption. Revenue from digital distribution was up 108 percent year-over-year, with "strong digital sales" (i.e. non-retail) mentioned for new releases Borderlands 2 and XCOM: Enemy Unknown.With Grand Theft Auto 5 officially given a spring 2013 release window, it should be noted that Take-Two reduced its "financial outlook" for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013, removing $600 million in forecasted sales. That extra $600 million raised our eyebrows when it appeared in the company's projections at the beginning of the fiscal year, as the math would only really work out if Take-Two was planning GTA 5 before April 1, 2013. That is, obviously, no longer the case and the company has reduced its outlook to "reflect its revised assumed release schedule."
PSA: Max Payne 3 'Hostage Negotiation' DLC now available
It may have taken a month longer than expected, but the "Hostage Negotiation" pack for Rockstar's Max Payne 3 is now available on Xbox 360 for 800 MS Points, and should also be available for $10 on PS3 and PC by the end of the day.The DLC pack includes four new multiplayer maps for use in Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Payne Killer modes, new weapons and items such as an M24 Sniper Rifle and the "Intimidation Mask," a new faction, new achievements and more. Anyone who previously purchased Max Payne 3's Season Pass is eligible to receive the DLC without expending additional funds, which is helpful since you're already spending so much to replace the furniture you've broken while slo-mo diving around the living room.
Grand Theft Auto 5 officially receives 'Spring 2013' release window
Take-Two Interactive just announced Grand Theft Auto 5 has a release window of "Spring 2013," with pre-orders for the sandbox crime drama beginning November 5 for PS3 and Xbox 360. There is no mention of a PC version in the company's press release.The official window word comes hours after UK retailer GAME tweeted out promotional material with the date stamped on it. Take-Two Interactive was supposed to have its second quarter investor call today, but canceled due to the aftermath of hurricane Sandy.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas rated by ESRB For PS3
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas now has an ESRB rating for PlayStation 3, following in the footsteps of PS2 siblings GTA 3 and Vice City. Curiously, the ESRB also re-rated Vice City for PS3, maybe feeling the need for a nostalgic revisit in light of its 10th anniversary and arrival on iOS and Android.With GTA 3 recently releasing on PSN as a PS2 Classic, it's not a great leap to suggest we'll see Vice City and San Andreas do the same in the future.
Max Payne 3 'Hostage Negotiation' DLC arranges October 30 launch
Earlier this month, Rockstar pushed back its Max Payne 3 "Hostage Negotiation" DLC pack, following a botched launch in September. Today Rockstar dated the pack for October 30 on all platforms.Hostage Negotiation adds four new multiplayer maps – Club Moderno and Estádio Do Galatians, and the favelas of O Palácio Strip Club and Favela Heights – to Max Payne 3, plus two new rifles, a new Explosive Burst booby trap and additional cosmetic options, and a new avatar faction. Hostage Negotiation will cost $10 (800 MS Points) on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC when it launches on October 30.
Asian PlayStation site lists September 25 for GTA 3 re-release
An "unforeseen complication" recently caused Grand Theft Auto 3 to miss its debut as a PS2 Classic download on PSN, but now Sony's Asia.PlayStation site has the game listed with a September 25 launch date. Since that's next Tuesday, it does fit the regular PSN update schedule.The game was originally delayed due to a licensing issue with the soundtrack. We've followed up with Sony to confirm the latest release date.
The planes, trucks, and helicopters of Grand Theft Auto 5
For the third time this week, Rockstar Games lifted the lid on a small handful of Grand Theft Auto 5 screenshots. Like previous releases, these screens depict just some of the things you'll be doing in Rockstar's next big GTA entry. For instance, jumping onto a moving truck while police trail behind. Or flying a propellor plane. Naturally!%Gallery-163291%
New Grand Theft Auto 5 screens: Fly a jet, ride a bike, zip around in a Cheetah
In the wake of last week's huge European game expo, Rockstar Games released several new images for Grand Theft Auto 5 this morning, effectively hijacking our interest. The images feature three vehicles from the upcoming open-world adventure: a road bicycle, a return of GTA classic sports car "Cheeta," and a damn fighter jet (seen above). Also of note, the Cheeta's license plate has a "San Andreas" wrapper – not a huge surprise given what we know about GTA5 5's setting, but neat nonetheless.Not enough to sate your thirst for more GTA 5 news? Rockstar says there'll be more revealed "this week," so there!%Gallery-162873%
Take-Two investor call theme: Where's Grand Theft Auto 5?
The first half of Take-Two's question and answer session, during today's first quarter investor call, revolved around the theme of Grand Theft Auto 5 and its current status. Whether directly or indirectly, three questions in a row tried to eke out any details about the game, which appears to be part of the publisher's high revenue projections but still has an official "TBA" release date."Strauss, we've heard nothing, next to nothing, on GTA 5 development over the last couple months," said Mike Hickey of National Alliance Securities. "We've seen a couple screenshots. The game is believed by the street to be implied by your guidance for this fiscal year, but what believability do we have that this game is actually going to come out this year?"CEO Strauss Zelnick responded, "We haven't talked about a release date. So obviously we can't talk about the credibility of a release date that we haven't announced."Pushed further on whether the publisher is receiving consistent updates, the CEO deflected."We wouldn't talk publicly about the way we communicate with our teams internally," replied Zelnick. "We are blessed to be in business with the Rockstar folks and everyone knows that I feel that way. We have the best creative teams in the business across our company."Though the company did announce today that "consumer anticipation is phenomenal" for Borderlands 2, it would still need to hit home runs with NBA 2K13, XCOM: Enemy Unknown and BioShock: Infinite to hit its forecast.
Grand Theft Auto 3 coming to PSN next Tuesday, no word on Vice City just yet
When ESRB ratings for Grand Theft Auto 3 and Vice City on PlayStation 3 sprang up earlier this year, it seemed assured that the games were headed to PSN's PS2 classics section. Indeed, Grand Theft Auto 3 is joining the no-frills lineup next Tuesday for $10.The news was revealed on the latest PlayStation podcast among other PSN releases for next week. Like all PS2 classics, GTA3 isn't getting an HD update or Trophy support. Also, that Vice City ESRB listing hasn't panned out just yet, but we're sure it's on the way.
Max Payne 3 'Cheater Pool' is live, don't get stuck in it
The Max Payne 3 Cheater Pool launches today, quarantining anyone confirmed to be using hacked saves, modded games or any other cheats into one, isolated playlist where they can't pick on honest players.If you've cheated and are worried about ending up in the Cheater Pool, first of all: Good, that means the system is working. Second, you'll know if you've been caught if you consistently end up in empty lobbies or matched up with games full of other cheaters. If you genuinely haven't cheated and have somehow ended up in the Cheater Pool, you can email Rockstar support at the address found on the Cheater Pool FAQ. It's unlikely, Rockstar says, since it manually reviews each Banhammer report and only takes action if there is clear evidence of cheating.Happy gaming to all, and to all cheaters good night.
