Will GTA IV Fuel the Console Wars? Game Crazy Says....

04/17/08

As the "PS3 vs. Xbox 360" arguments reach a fever pitch heading into the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV (GTA IV), we decided to go right to the authorities to find out which version of the game -- and which console -- will come out on top. Dave Hulegaard, Game Crazy's buyer and all-around "video game expert," wrote the article below for DailyGame to provide his take on the debate. And he uses some concrete pre-order and sales numbers to illustrate his point.

Will GTA IV Fuel the Console Wars?

A lot of gamers and industry insiders are speculating which console, Xbox 360 or PS3, will emerge victorious after this month's launch of Grand Theft Auto IV (GTA IV). As a buyer for Game Crazy and huge fan of the GTA series, I'm watching this launch especially closely because it's the first time Rockstar has made the series available for two consoles at once.

In the past when there has been a multi-platform release, the Xbox 360 version generally had higher sales. However, [based on pre-order information at Game Crazy and general console trends] we've been seeing a much closer split between the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. For example, Devil May Cry 4 sales had one of the closest splits between the two consoles than any other major title to date.

Until now, Sony has enjoyed an exclusivity window following the release of new titles in the Grand Theft Auto franchise. There's been a lot of buzz from the die-hard Sony loyalists who have been waiting for this title to come out before they upgrade from their old PS2 systems. Even though the launch of the game was delayed a few months, I don't see it changing these users' desires to upgrade.

In many respects, the battle lines have already been drawn. Because both consoles have been out for awhile, a lot of gamers have already committed to a console and will choose their version of GTA IV accordingly. As big a title as it is, I'm not sure it puts Sony's PS3 in a position to significantly cut into Microsoft's hardware sales. The Xbox 360 version will sell mammoth amounts no matter what, because hardcore gamers are interested in the promise of downloadable content, achievements and the Xbox Live experience as a whole.

In contrast, I know people personally who won't buy an Xbox 360 because of their loyalty to the PlayStation platform. They have been waiting for a big Sony title like this one to come out before they upgrade to the PlayStation 3. The PS3's support for the Blu-ray format could also sway people who are on the fence between the two systems.

If anything, the delayed launch of GTA IV actually ended up benefiting other game titles such as Call of Duty 4, Assassin's Creed and Mass Effect more than it impacted console sales. The average gamer generally buys a new title every few weeks, but their budgets are finite. By not having to contend with a behemoth competitor like GTA IV, these other games had a more-favorable playing field that no doubt gave them a boost.

It remains to be seen how much of a factor GTA IV will be in the ongoing console wars. But one thing is certain: regardless of which platform comes out ahead, gamers will be the biggest winners now that the title is finally here.

Dave Hulegaard is a game buyer and video game enthusiast at Game Crazy, the nation's second-largest specialty game retailer with more than 580 locations across the country. Game Crazy is throwing GTA IV launch parties at all of its stores starting at 8 p.m. local time on Monday, April 28, and will be giving away a variety of prizes. Go to Game Crazy's Web site for details.

Send News to N4G | | Slashdot It!

Most Recent Features

In-Game Ads Finally Done Right: Rainbow Six Vegas 2

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is getting a campaign for Tropic Thunder, the first effective use of the medium.

EA's Big Changes -- That Nobody Even Notices

As we begin an on-location visit to Electronic Arts, we wonder just how big the industry truly is.

Overlord: Raising Hell Review

Bossing around minions on the PS3 doesn't get old, but the "improvements" just cover up lingering issues.

ESA Evaluating Major Changes for E3 2009

Changes are always considered, but this year's post-show survey shows some biggies in the air.

DailyGame's Best of E3 2008 Awards

The competition this year was somewhat slim, but it was very tight. Here are the best of the best.

DailyGame's PlayStation Homepage

In-Game Ads Finally Done Right: Rainbow Six Vegas 2

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is getting a campaign for Tropic Thunder, the first effective use of the medium.

EA's Big Changes -- That Nobody Even Notices

As we begin an on-location visit to Electronic Arts, we wonder just how big the industry truly is.

Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 Review

Full of explosions, guns and huge bosses, but nothing so amazing that you'll be clamoring for it.

ESA Evaluating Major Changes for E3 2009

Changes are always considered, but this year's post-show survey shows some biggies in the air.

DailyGame's Best of E3 2008 Awards

The competition this year was somewhat slim, but it was very tight. Here are the best of the best.

DailyGame's Xbox 360 Homepage

EA's Big Changes -- That Nobody Even Notices

As we begin an on-location visit to Electronic Arts, we wonder just how big the industry truly is.

ESA Evaluating Major Changes for E3 2009

Changes are always considered, but this year's post-show survey shows some biggies in the air.

DailyGame's Best of E3 2008 Awards

The competition this year was somewhat slim, but it was very tight. Here are the best of the best.

Space Invaders Extreme Review

The five-stage game has some nice updates for a storied franchise, making this a worthy chapter.

Most Disappointing Games of E3 2008

E3 may have ended, but developers still have plenty of work ahead -- especially on these games.

DailyGame's Nintendo Homepage

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (Unrated) Blu-ray Review

The mix of courtroom drama and horror film is surprisingly good, and the A/V aspects hold up well.

Batman: Gotham Knight Blu-ray Review

Its six episodes are too disparate, too short and animated too differently for a truly compelling experience.

The Ruins Unrated Version Blu-ray Disc Review

It's got all the stereotypical teens and blood you need, but it starts too slowly and has serious plot deficiencies.

Earth: The Biography Blu-ray Review

The BBC once again strikes documentary gold, but a thesis and A/V issues seem more like iron pyrite.

Stargate Continuum Blu-ray Disc Review

The cast reunion is nice and story is good, but a few plot holes and inconsistent VFX are disappointing.

DailyGame's Blu-ray Homepage

Actiontec Mega Plug AV Powerline Gaming Kit Review

Getting a wired connection through your home's electrical wiring couldn't be easier or more secure.

3K RazorBook 400 Mini Notebook PC Review

This could be a blogger's best friend, at least for basic functions.

D-BOX: How and Why Home Theater is Evolving

You may think Star Tours-like seating is not for home, but it's closer than you think.

Skullcrushers Subwoofer Headphones Review

The name may be brutal, but if you're into bass, this is one refined headset.

National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets Blu-ray Review

Nicolas Cage rocks Mount Rushmore, and the movie itself is rockin' too.

DailyGame's Home Electronics Homepage