Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto IV has become the fastest selling entertainment launch of all time, shipping six million copies in its first week on sale and generating an estimated retail value of USD 500 million.
The figure eclipses previous records held Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, which generated USD 404 million at the box office in 2007, also surpassing Halo 3 (Videogame) and Harry Potter (literature)
Take-Two Chairman, Strauss Zelnick, commented, “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. 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."
Ben Feder, CEO of Take-Two, added: "Rockstar’s goal is to make each new title in the Grand Theft Auto franchise even better than those that preceded it, and Grand Theft Auto IV is a smashing success on that score.”
“Grand Theft Auto IV makes full use of the power of next generation technology, and offers players an experience unique in the interactive entertainment medium. This game sets a new standard in the industry, with critics hailing it as both an artistic and technological masterpiece.”
Stay tuned for our full review of Grand Theft Auto IV later today.