UK Retailers Hot For GTA IV

21 Apr 2008 at 18:36:02 by Paul Younger

Retailers up and down the country are rubbing their hands together with glee in anticipation of Grand Theft Auto IV, which hits stores on 29 April.

Talking to trade publication MCV, Jonathan Edwards, games buying manager at Tesco said, “As with previous GTA releases, GTA IV will be the benchmark for all future releases with regards to volume of sales. The question is what will sell more PS3 or Xbox 360?”

Tricia Brennan, buying director at GAME, echoed Edwards’ thoughts, “There is huge consumer anticipation for GTA IV. This truly is the launch event of 2008. Customers cannot wait to be able to play the game.”

You’re darn tooting Tricia. None of the retailers thought the post-Easter release date would impact on sales, instead anticipating the quiet season to boost sales even further.

Of course a little bit of notoriety goes a long way, especially where Rockstar’s concerned. Earlier this week, company founder, Dan Houser, said he expects the game to get the mainstream media a little hot under the collar.

Houser also expects the game to break records set by Halo 3, telling the Canadian press, "Maybe the first week 'GTA IV' sales won't do what 'Halo 3' did, but I can almost guarantee they'll probably outsell 'Halo 3' in the first year."

Well, it wouldn’t be a GTA title without some rabid tabloid headlines and a spot of hyperbole, now would it.

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