Grand Theft Auto IV Breaks Worldwide Entertainment Records

Officials from Take-Two Interactive, owners of Rockstar Games, have revealed details of the worldwide launch of Grand Theft Auto IV, claiming it to be the biggest entertainment launch in history – including video games, cinema and music. Released in the U.S. and Europe on Tuesday, April 29th the company claims the game has already sold 6 million copies globally, generating more than $500 million in revenues in a single week. On its first day on sale, the game sold approximately 3.6 million units worldwide, for revenues of around $310 million. Detailed data has already been released concerning the game’s success in the UK, where it has broken almost all day one and first week sales records. "We knew Grand Theft Auto IV would break new ground in terms of the player's experience, with its compelling story line, extraordinary gameplay and action that ranges over a broad urban canvas,” said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two. “Now, it has broken sales and rating records as well. Grand Theft Auto IV's first week performance represents the largest launch in the history of interactive entertainment, and we believe these retail sales levels surpass any movie or music launch to date. We congratulate the entire Rockstar team on creating a must-have experience that takes the legendary Grand Theft Auto franchise to a new level," he added. Some previous estimates of the game's success had suggested first week revenues of $400 million and 6 million sales at retail. Although the unit sale prediction is identical to Take-Two’s final figure there is no explanation for the disparity in revenues – which may be due to currency fluctuations, different regional splits, or higher than expected sales of the special edition version.