PC launch date for Grand Theft Auto IV revealed

I don't think steam would be that beneficial in solving this problem at all. The PC game developers already know about steam. EA for examle has it's own download service as do many game and hardware sites. If you look at the links I posted you'll see that Ubisoft is suing a disc replicator for leaking Assassin's creed. The game appeared on the Internet for download almost six weeks before the game was officially released!!! The game was then downloaded 700,000 times by pirates!!! Thats ALOT of monetary damage. I feel sorry for Ubisoft and for any developer that is putting a high profile game on the PC. GTA4 is next.

Comment by Warrior24_7 at 3:02am 13th August 2008

huh.... that piece of information must have passed me by.... I did read somewhere they're making it free, but that's it. Guess I'll hold off the slating until then

Comment by cyberspice1 at 8:16pm 12th August 2008

people keep on slating the GFW Live platform still... if you do some looking into it, you'll find that they have decided to redesign the GFWL interface an optimise it for the PC, and we'll be getting that this fall - now you may know that XBox Live has had a huge update to the interface, and now they are making sure that the PCs interface is much more PC friendly, and they have listended to us and found that we dont want some crappy console "port" and there is a picture somewhere on the net which shows the dashboard, and I can see that the new interface will be much more optimised for the mouse, where as the old/current interface was much more optimised for the 360 controller, but we wont have to put up with that much longer, and the new interface may be why R* have decided to add more multiplayer features for the PC (that and because the PC can handle more players on screen at once)... so all in all, the GFWL platform may have been crappy at first (just like all MS products) but they are going to improve that so much this fall, so just wait and see the new GUI and features before slating it!

Comment by NikoBellic at 7:44pm 12th August 2008

I don't see that we have that much to complain about anyway. Coming out in the next few months we've got... STALKER: Clear Sky (PC Exclusive), Fallout 3, Spore (PC Exclusive for now), Crysis:Warhead (PC Exclusive), The Witcher Enhanced (PC Exclusive), Mirror's Edge, Legendary, Red Alert 3, Dawn of War 2 (PC Exclusive), Warhammer Online (PC Exclusive), Prince of Persia, Project Origin, Far Cry 2......... All either PC Exclusive or we're getting them at the same time as consoles. Seriously, I don't think we've got alot to complain about games-wise.....

Comment by cyberspice1 at 3:12pm 12th August 2008

You're right, it will take more than that, but we have to start somewhere. Either that or we write to publishers and nudge them towards Steam.

Comment by gavomatic57 at 8:05am 12th August 2008

More proof... http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=194938

Comment by Warrior24_7 at 6:06pm 11th August 2008

It's going to take more than that. This is a mindset that a majority of PC gamers have. Some even believe that it's their right to steal these games. Even as they're forced to buy consoles, PC game releases get pushed back further and further and developers skydive their way off the platform or even go out of business, they STILL try and downplay the effect it's having on the PC! Here is the latest proof. http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=194449 http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8797&Itemid=1

Comment by Warrior24_7 at 5:23pm 11th August 2008

Turn up for the books here.... I agree with you! It is a pipe dream! All PC Hardware manufacturers clubbing together? It's a wonderful dream, having Ati/AMD, Nvidia, Intel, all working together, making sure all games are properly optimized for all kinds of different hardware configurations, ensuring us consumers get the best possible experience no matter what hardware we buy, AND all chipping in together to buy us a few more AAA exclusives.... reality is, it won't happen. We'd probably all suffer as consumers, since they'd all agree to keep prices high, if they agreed at all. In reality, they won't even do that. They want it to be THEIR logo on the game and nobody elses. Funnily enough, the company in the best position to do something like this is Microsoft. But all we have from them is a half assed attempt at replicating Xbox Live. Lets face it, they're far more interested in promoting the 360 as a gaming platform.

Comment by cyberspice1 at 2:12pm 11th August 2008

We will finally end up with a game that can knock ALL the sims titles off the top 10 pc game charts!!! Should be interesting how GTA4 will look on the pc.

Comment by Nickuk1987 at 2:09pm 11th August 2008

I love how the PC release of GTA4 sparks talk of the death of PC gaming! It isn't going to happen. Consoles wouldn't exist without PC hardware pushing things forward. Without the PC we'd all have to make do with the re-boxed gamecube (wii). Consoles come and go but the PC is always there. GTA1, 2, 3, Vice city and San Andreas all came out on the consoles first and were ported to the PC later. GTA4 is no different. The PC gets all the best first-person shooters first, the consoles get the 3rd person shooters. The driving games are divided up depending on their focus - simulations go to the PC, the arcade driving games go to the consoles. Piracy is an issue I admit, but as a PC gaming community, we owe it to ourselves to maybe "out" the pirates. I've seen people on here openly bragging about pirating their games, yet we stand around, watching while devs take their business elsewhere.

Comment by gavomatic57 at 9:08am 11th August 2008

PC hardware manufacturers forming some kinda co-operative to outbid M$ and Sony for rights to games is a pipe dream. First of all the PC will have to become console like and have ALL of it's parts coming from the same manufacturer. This would hurt PC gaming as other PC gamers would lose out if they didn't have that type of PC. There are so many reason that this wouldn't work on so many levels. There is more money in consoles and that is what these developers are going for along with the other benefits of console development.

Comment by Warrior24_7 at 11:51am 9th August 2008

YES!!!!

Comment by wegreenall at 10:36am 9th August 2008

You can only really hope that pc hardware manufacturers will form some kinda co-operative to outbid M$ and Sony for rights to games - otherwise nothing will really change. There's a chance that more games will be released on more platforms simultaneously due to business trying to lock you in to their platform plus with the rise subscription services and of micro-payments for in game items, mods etc the real revenue will come from simply having more people playing the games. Chances are the days of buying a complete, self contained game are pretty much coming to an end...

Comment by spirit at 1:57am 9th August 2008

Is what GTA PC is all about - Next time you click over to youtube check out 'San Andreas Dub Edition Trailer' and then you'll get an Idea of what most of the GTA-PC fans are fans of the series for!! :)

Comment by NikoBellic at 7:43am 8th August 2008

Im looking forward to GTA4 .. have always had to wait until its been exhausted on the consoles beofre the pc version but we normally get it almost perfect with very few bugs and usually a couple of extra features.... My preference is use the mouse and N52 game pad when on foot and have my 360 controller on my lap for when Im driving ... best control system for me ... Will definetly on pre-order as its one of those games you can play for 10 mins or 10 hours ... or until my motion sickness makes me stop... Consoles get it first cause the comapnies are paid well for exclusivity and the PC gets it to get that little bit of extra money in the coffers for the next controversial game... Everyone one wins unless that is they dont own either pc or console... Talking of which im sure I saw a chinese GTA coming for the DS ... wonder how that will play ...

Comment by akoli at 3:44am 8th August 2008

Just read through all the comments and I just found it funny that people felt the need to state that games originally developed for the console market will launch on CONSOLES first and games developed for the PC market will be... wait for it... mmm.... just a bit longer... that's right... you got it... launched on PCs first (Sorry, I just had to). As for controls there is no arguement to be had. with a console you are limited to the individual consoles accessories, be it a pad, wheel, gun, flight stick etc... but with a PC now you have a wide selection for you to choose from for each type of controller that suits you. Consoles are cheaper and mass produced because they are generic and everything is the same. PCs cost more because they are a custome machine with infinite possible specs to tailor for an individual. As a consumer, the only 'Right' we have is that of a product doing what it is supposed to for a set amount of time and that is it. Companies design, develope and release products to make money. Not to satisfy customers, although in the long term, customer satisfaction brings in the money, it does nothing to change their main goal. MONEY!

Comment by PokerMuppet at 3:13am 8th August 2008

GTA game .... yawn

Comment by NewParadigm at 9:03pm 7th August 2008

Fair comment there cyberspice1.

Comment by true_gamer at 6:31pm 7th August 2008

@true_gamer... I think mate, it's just something that goes with the territory. Games such as this will always hit the consoles first, dev's don't have to spend as much time optimizing it for different hardware configurations, since the devs have the publishers on their backs to get the game on the shelves, course they'll work on the console version first. Secondly, all 3 consoles have the backing of a huge multinational corporation who will pay publishers for marketing, exclusivity, etc, etc. So, yeah, PC Gamers lose out in that respect, on the other hand, PC gamers get better strategy & MMO games before console gamers, and we get interesting stuff like PhysX before console gamers. Personally, I think it pretty much evens out, depending on if you want the AAA arcade games or the strategy/sim/MMO games. That's why I have both a 360 and a PC. Best of both worlds!

Comment by cyberspice1 at 5:12pm 7th August 2008

I agree, once a game is out for a long while and everyone's played it, it loses it's luster. Get used to it because that is the trend going forward on the PC. Big console titles will hit the console first then the PC... if at all.

Comment by Warrior24_7 at 5:00pm 7th August 2008

Get used to it because that is the trend going forward on the PC. Big console titles will hit the console first then the PC... if at all.

Comment by Warrior24_7 at 5:00pm 7th August 2008

Playing console titles on the PC when they come out eon's later after three sequels have been brought out. It doesnt seem the same than on the console. GTA is the series i hate on PC but love on console. Everything else there is Mastercard ;)

Comment by Lightning_Pete at 4:10pm 7th August 2008

I have respect to you my friend, for being civil about this and not trying to put people down on there own opinions. Well at least someone can see where I was trying to come from.

Comment by true_gamer at 4:27pm 7th August 2008

Although I don't agree with your comments, I understand them. I just spent alot of money on a "gaming" PC and I want my purchase to be justified... and it's not! But I also totally understand why most game developers steer clear of the PC (*cough* piracy *cough*) You do have a right to voice your opinion. I have been flamed by a particular person here because he doesn't agree with my views (he won't do it again) so I know how you feel. Just learn to handle it.

Comment by Warrior24_7 at 4:02pm 7th August 2008

I'm so sorry for my spelling mistake. Hope you forgive me. (Is this really what the world is coming too?)

Comment by true_gamer at 4:04pm 7th August 2008

will be nice to play it with a usable framerate. That was the big killer for ps3/360.

Comment by QPRHOOPS81 at 4:06pm 7th August 2008

I certainly hope GTA IV is cross platform multiplayer. About friggin time we had something decent on that front! As for the controls, I think y'all missed something... what's to stop you plugging a 360 contoller in for the driving sections, then switching to keyboard & mouse for the shooting sections? best of both worlds!

Comment by cyberspice1 at 4:07pm 7th August 2008

I have the wireless version of the 360 controller and in games that support it, it is great, especially if you like stealth in fps's or driving games, its definately worth buying... although in fps games i admit that I like to switch from gamepad to mouse and keyboard when I'm in intense situations!! lol

Comment by NikoBellic at 3:58pm 7th August 2008

This is so sad. You can't even put a comment down on your own throughts, without having someone criticize you.

Comment by true_gamer at 3:35pm 7th August 2008

Ive been using a 360 controller on my game rig for years, mainly for driving games and such, never for FPS, never had an issue with it.

Comment by von_stylon at 3:58pm 7th August 2008

Rumor has it that you'll be able to play GTA IV against Xbox 360 opponents too! Why do people think that playing a game on a PC make the game better? Anybody who has played AoC knows thats not true!! http://www.fudzilla.com/ http://www.rockstargames.com/IV/

Comment by Warrior24_7 at 3:42pm 7th August 2008

On the subject of controls has anyone used the dongle that lets you use 360 pad on the PC? Wondered if it was worth getting one.

Comment by pveater at 3:23pm 7th August 2008

I have a gamepad for my pc... so controls are no issue whichever is the better

Comment by NewParadigm at 3:14pm 7th August 2008

Well when playing a game called Grand Theft Auto where the majority of the game concerns actual driving then yeah I prefer the driving aspect of the gameplay more ;) Have you played GTAIV because the combat gameplay is fairly basic. Maybe the Keyb/Mouse combo will come into its own on multiplayer where a quick gun counts? I'm dead right about the driving though :)

Comment by pveater at 2:59pm 7th August 2008

Not sure about Gears 2, but certainly this autumn/fall is going to be awesome for PC gaming. Talking about Call of Duty 5, voice-controlled Tom Clancy's End War, and of course Fallout 3 where you can do everything and anything within the post-nuclear Washington D.C. Having played GTAIV on PS3, I have to say it is a decent piece of art and even though you're still playing GTA San Andreas or Vice City with upgraded graphics, there's not a lot more to add. The landscape is good. Nothing too special, nothing we've not seen in previous GTAs.

Comment by cookie at 3:01pm 7th August 2008

Well, I guess the issue over control is which part of the gameplay in GTA do you prefer, or focus on. For driving, arguably a pad is better, because it's an analogue input device so it feels more natural, more like the actual inputs (accelerator, braking, steering) you have when driving a car. If it's combat however, then a keyboard and mouse is better - it's faster than a gamepad, and it's more precise.

Comment by Sifter3000 at 2:38pm 7th August 2008

I was waiting for someone to bring that up! I know that the console games aren't always rendered at that res (I think Gears Of War on 360 was the first time I was aware of it) but are you honestly trying to tell me driving the vehicles in GTA is better with a keyboard press and mouse??

Comment by pveater at 2:30pm 7th August 2008

Consoles might output a 1080p signal but they don't render the game at 1080p - most console games are rendered at far lower settings and upscaled. COD4 for instance is rendered at 1024x600 on both 360 and PS3. By precise controls, yes Mouse and Keyboard - it's far more accurate than a gamepage (and it's the reason there's no PC vs console FPS games, because armed with a keyboard and mouse, you're far, far quicker than a pad-wiedling console gamer).

Comment by Sifter3000 at 2:24pm 7th August 2008

"we'll get higher resolution gameplay, better draw distances, more precise controls for better combat" dont mean to fight the console corner as I have both but consoles can play upto 1080p (1920x1080) - how many people have the PC gear including the monitor to play at that res? More precise controls? Can you elaborate that. Keyboard and mouse you mean? A lot of the game is driving so thats no good really anyway. I'd much prefer the 360 controller for that. And combat is stupidly basic not not warrant a better control method.

Comment by pveater at 2:17pm 7th August 2008

Well, it took about as long as I expected, although I was getting sick of waiting and almost went out and purchased a new 360 so that I could finally play GTAIV. true_gamer, i understand your complaint, but it is a little naive. At least my 'stoopid muny' PC will get me a better GTAIV experience than my console owning friends! I spend huge amounts of money on constant PC upgrades, but that gives me no more right to a GTAIV PC exclusive than spending £10,000 more on your car than your next door neighbour gives you rights to cheaper fuel.

Comment by mitchell2k7 at 1:28pm 7th August 2008

Microsoft and Sony will have paid a significant amount to keep GTA a console exclusive for a few months in order to sell 360s and PS3s. Without a single backer to fund/argue for it, the PC port was obviously going to get bumped back a bit. But GTA IV, will, like San Andreas and Vice City before it, be best on PC - we'll get higher resolution gameplay, better draw distances, more precise controls for better combat, and it will be cheaper.

Comment by Sifter3000 at 1:54pm 7th August 2008

Niko Ive been controlling you for quite some time now ;)

Comment by pveater at 1:52pm 7th August 2008

Didn't older versions of the game get delayed by a year and not just six months? I skipped San An because I haven't completed Vice City yet - ironically I needed to crack the EXE to get my legit copy of VC to stop crashing. Since IV feels like it carries on from III (correct me if I'm wrong on that), yeah I might buy it straight away and have a storyline set of missions to enjoy up to Christmas. Now it's GTA IV vs Duke Nukem if that turns up as planned...

Comment by KHenry_07 at 1:14pm 7th August 2008

the games are released on consoles first because the likes of sony and ms pay millions to have the game as an exclusive so they can bundle it and generate sales. games can be released on pc before any other format but are chosen not too (what do you think the games are made on...) .. regarding profit etc the console versions will pay for the R&D and development after about a week of sales, anything after is profit.

Comment by faceplant at 1:10pm 7th August 2008

You guys can finally control me now!!! :P

Comment by NikoBellic at 1:10pm 7th August 2008

finally i can play the game with a decent draw distance and aa. @fourthletter. the reason games are released on consoles before pc is because Microsoft and Sony pay huge sums to get the exclusivity first. dont jump into the "piracy is killing the pc" bs. i only dl something if i have no intention of buying it anyway and sometimes i actually buy them after i have downloaded them.

Comment by TBallS at 12:52pm 7th August 2008

What a stupid comment. So you think if you choose to spend lots of money on your PC you should be entitled to games before console release? Crazy. At the end of the day GTA has always been a big seller on the consoles (how many people stuck with Sony rather than make the move to Xbox because of exclusives like GTA and Gran Turismo?) and Rockstar know thats where the market is. Look at the PC chart. The top PC games (apart from the Sims and MMO's) just arent generating the revenue for the developers like the consoles do.

Comment by pveater at 12:54pm 7th August 2008

Your comment has been moderated. Please refrain from swearing and insulting other commenters.

Comment by Sifter3000 at 12:44pm 7th August 2008

First of all true_gamer it's "our" machines. Second, why should Take Two and Rockstar give a [LIFTED] how much you spent on your PC! They release console versions first because PC games are easy to pirate so they soak up a huge amount of profit from console gamers first.

Comment by fourthletter at 12:38pm 7th August 2008

About bloody time. I think game developers should release all games on PC first before the consoles. As we are the ones that fork out all this money to build are machines.

Comment by true_gamer at 12:23pm 7th August 2008

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Grand Theft Auto IV

These are the most popular news articles over the past seven days.

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