So, with GTA IV launched and figures being bandied about for sales, it's Microsoft's turn to step up to the podium and simultaneously declare itself the winner in the hardware race.
With advertising for its Xbox 360 bundle all over print, online and television media; with less expensive hardware than its Sony competitor and with "exclusive downloadable episodes forthcoming" (for which it apparently paid out $50m (£25m)); and with 16 months more in the market in Europe - you'd hope that Microsoft was crowing.
So, what figures is it putting on it's GTA IV supremacy?
So, any hard figures there?
Ooookay. Anything else we should know in this uncharacteristic deluge of actual information from one of the platform holders?
Finally - and some might say most controversially, Microsoft has not forgotten the brewing battles of High Definition Television with the following fanboy arousing statement:
We don't expect Sony to take this without a fight...
With advertising for its Xbox 360 bundle all over print, online and television media; with less expensive hardware than its Sony competitor and with "exclusive downloadable episodes forthcoming" (for which it apparently paid out $50m (£25m)); and with 16 months more in the market in Europe - you'd hope that Microsoft was crowing.
So, what figures is it putting on it's GTA IV supremacy?
"The Xbox 360 version of Grand Theft Auto IV has sold more than 100,000 copies, or 20%, more than the PLAYSTATION 3 version in the UK since the game’s release last Tuesday, 29th April.
The groundbreaking latest instalment in the Grand Theft Auto franchise from Rockstar Games offers seamless multiplayer enhanced by Xbox LIVE plus exclusive downloadable episodes coming this Autumn, making Xbox 360 the best way to experience this historic milestone in gaming."
The groundbreaking latest instalment in the Grand Theft Auto franchise from Rockstar Games offers seamless multiplayer enhanced by Xbox LIVE plus exclusive downloadable episodes coming this Autumn, making Xbox 360 the best way to experience this historic milestone in gaming."
So, any hard figures there?
"Data released by ELSPA/Chart-Track shows Xbox 360 Week One sales at 514,000 copies sold in the UK.
PLAYSTATION 3 version of the game sold only 413,000 copies, clearly demonstrating that gamers prefer the Xbox 360 version.
Xbox 360 console sales jumped 125% reflecting the popularity of this franchise on the platform."
PLAYSTATION 3 version of the game sold only 413,000 copies, clearly demonstrating that gamers prefer the Xbox 360 version.
Xbox 360 console sales jumped 125% reflecting the popularity of this franchise on the platform."
Ooookay. Anything else we should know in this uncharacteristic deluge of actual information from one of the platform holders?
"More than 9.7 million hours of “Grand Theft Auto IV” online multiplayer played over Xbox LIVE (as of May 4th).
"More than 31 million hours spent playing “Grand Theft Auto IV” overall (as of May 4th)."
"More than 31 million hours spent playing “Grand Theft Auto IV” overall (as of May 4th)."
Finally - and some might say most controversially, Microsoft has not forgotten the brewing battles of High Definition Television with the following fanboy arousing statement:
" It’s also the only version of the game that renders Liberty City in all its 720p high-definition glory."
We don't expect Sony to take this without a fight...
Read More Like This
Comments
Earl 7 May 2008 17:23
1/13
Going by stock allocation, i have had 120 for 360, and 60 PS3.
Reasons for this unknown, ask Gem?
Reasons for this unknown, ask Gem?
Bentley 7 May 2008 18:49
2/13
Hmmm. 20% more sales for a console that has been out much longer is not really THAT impressive. And most of the people I know bought it on PS3, with quite a few buying PS3s just for GTA IV. I only know one person amongst my peers who has it for 360... and he's a right c**t.
more comments below our sponsor's message
deleted 8 May 2008 00:46
3/13
Bentley wrote:
I only know one person amongst my peers who has it for 360... and he's a right c**t.
I have to agree that 100,000 isnt that impressive but a wins a win, and i suppose MS using this to point out their supersilius nature is also not impressive, just like Sony will be doing tommorrow, at the end of the day the winner is Rockstar.
But i have to personally state GTA IV is overhyped beyond belief, dont get me wrong its a great game and worthy of 9-10 but its not as good as the reviews have said and has more faults and niggles than have been pointed out. playing the BANK JOB and dying after 20mins of shooting and driving only to have to start right from scratch proves this. cutscenes of cheap laughs and little story development, pointless missions etc.
PreciousRoi 8 May 2008 04:18
4/13
How does you screwing the pooch at the tail end of the most lucrative mission in the game prove that its flawed?
Bah. Game throws you a challenging mission for a ridiculous amound of money and you call that a fault? Oh I'm sorry the thing just can't roll over and die for you...lamer.
I mean sure, its got plenty of flaws...GPS map should update when you enter all locations so they're always visible in the future (for some reason there were some fast food places that never appeared on my map even after I ate there) It froze up a few times on me, and the variety of cars (at the same time) isn't where it should be...I shouldn't run into an entire block of PSG 600s only to come back around the block and find them all something else the same...
But no save points during long missions? Thats a design choice, a feature even...not a flaw. On the same mission I got killed because Packie got left behind and I had to go back for him...after the surface troops were triggered...but I guess that was my fault for not checking to make sure he was behind me. Its certainly not a flaw, except insofar as "triggered events" are lame, if ultimately neccessary.
Bah. Game throws you a challenging mission for a ridiculous amound of money and you call that a fault? Oh I'm sorry the thing just can't roll over and die for you...lamer.
I mean sure, its got plenty of flaws...GPS map should update when you enter all locations so they're always visible in the future (for some reason there were some fast food places that never appeared on my map even after I ate there) It froze up a few times on me, and the variety of cars (at the same time) isn't where it should be...I shouldn't run into an entire block of PSG 600s only to come back around the block and find them all something else the same...
But no save points during long missions? Thats a design choice, a feature even...not a flaw. On the same mission I got killed because Packie got left behind and I had to go back for him...after the surface troops were triggered...but I guess that was my fault for not checking to make sure he was behind me. Its certainly not a flaw, except insofar as "triggered events" are lame, if ultimately neccessary.
deleted 8 May 2008 05:40
5/13
PreciousRoi wrote:
How does you screwing the pooch at the tail end of the most lucrative mission in the game prove that its flawed?
Bah. Game throws you a challenging mission for a ridiculous amound of money and you call that a fault? Oh I'm sorry the thing just can't roll over and die for you...lamer.
Bah. Game throws you a challenging mission for a ridiculous amound of money and you call that a fault? Oh I'm sorry the thing just can't roll over and die for you...lamer.
I said faults and niggles, The length of a mission with no save or continuation being a niggle! sure i dont expect the game to be easy but that mission i picked because instead of it restarting at the bank, you had to go all the way back to Packie`s house and you couldnt use a taxi as you needed a four seater. so just driving there after getting into the subway (where packie also stayed behind for me too) and then getting shot by police who decided to come down the exit route because i too had to go back for the Dumb AI was a niggle.
PEG-12 8 May 2008 10:38
6/13
That 100k copies was bought and paid for with exclusive GTA+360 TV and street ads.
When the Joe on the sofa and in the street didn't even know the PS3 version existed, that "win" doesn't look so great to me
When the Joe on the sofa and in the street didn't even know the PS3 version existed, that "win" doesn't look so great to me
schnide 8 May 2008 12:43
7/13
All in good time..
This time next year, more PS3's will have been sold, and more 360's will have RROD'ed.. you reap what you sow.
This time next year, more PS3's will have been sold, and more 360's will have RROD'ed.. you reap what you sow.
deleted 8 May 2008 14:06
8/13
schnide wrote:
All in good time..
This time next year, more PS3's will have been sold, and more 360's will have RROD'ed.. you reap what you sow.
This time next year, more PS3's will have been sold, and more 360's will have RROD'ed.. you reap what you sow.
I agree that more PS3`s will be sold and next year will be a good PS3 year, But the RROD? isnt that now sorted?
PreciousRoi 8 May 2008 16:07
9/13
don't bother, he's a prick and a dedicated you-know-what...he only dares to show his face and spout off lately, cuz the numbers in EU look good for his side...notice how he bumped the Elite 360 Problems topic for no apparent reason...
PEG-12:Yeah, because NO ONE associates GTA series with the PlayStation brand...
PEG-12:Yeah, because NO ONE associates GTA series with the PlayStation brand...
schnide 9 May 2008 12:43
10/13
PreciousRoi wrote:
don't bother, he's a prick and a dedicated you-know-what...he only dares to show his face and spout off lately
You're right - because I don't post on every single topic as if people care about my opinions and have a random geek quote as my signature, that makes me both a fanboy and a coward.
Goddamnit, I wish I was as good as you.
Please, Comic Book Guy, don't waste your precious time on me - go and start another dull forum topic and build on how much everyone worships your sardonic and insightful postings.
I admit it, I don't even come here for the news anymore. It's all about you. SPOnG, can we rename this site preciousroi.com instead?
Oh, and marry me? Please?
tyrion 9 May 2008 12:54
11/13
schnide wrote:
Oh, and marry me? Please?
Mr. Scott wrote:
It's the sarcasm meter, Cap'n, she cannae take the strain!
PreciousRoi 9 May 2008 19:13
12/13
Comic Book Guy wrote:
Mister Spock wrote:
Sensors indicate a low level of originality and a high degree of pointlessness. It appears that the entity is resorting to naked sarcasm as a defense mechanism in the abscence of intelligent speech. I believe the entity will abandon this and disperse before it can do any damage.
schnide 12 May 2008 12:21
13/13
Comic Book Guy wrote:
Mister Spock wrote:
Sensors indicate a low level of originality and a high degree of pointlessness. It appears that the entity is resorting to naked sarcasm as a defense mechanism in the abscence of intelligent speech. I believe the entity will abandon this and disperse before it can do any damage.
Captain Kirk wrote:
Sigh.. and you wonder why I get all the girls.