GTA IV arrives with some gamers
Earlier today an authentic video of Grand Theft Auto IV appeared on YouTube, which featured the entire GTA IV intro, along with some gameplay footage. While the video was swiftly removed from the site, those who caught a glimpse got an early look at how the game performs on PlayStation 3.
Of note was the seemingly long load time, with a wait of over one minute being something which players will have to become accustomed to each time the start this version of the game.
The source of the game appears to be an Australian retailer which has dispatched online orders early. Additionally, the full PAL version of the game has now leaked to the internet, according to
Kotaku.
Rockstar has not commented on any of the leaks, but is actively requesting that YouTube removes videos from its website. Whether they intend to continue doing this for the next six days remains a mystery.
PS3 version of GTA IV outselling Xbox 360 by 3-to-1
Games industry publication
MCV recently interviewed a number of key players in the UK retail industry. The most significant revelation came from head of games at ASDA (a subsidiary of Wal Mart), Duncan Cross. He claims that "the PS3 version is selling three times that of 360" on its website, where they have been collecting preorders for some time.
ASDA's retail outlets do not allow customers to reserve games, making them one of the most likely places to have available stock on launch day. A Comet representative is also echoing the PS3 success story, so it seems that the easiest format to find this game on may end up being Xbox 360.
In other retail news today, Sony sent out a press release officially confirming the GTA IV + PS3 bundle, which will indeed go on sale across Europe on Tuesday for €439/£319.99.