Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has unveiled a Grand Theft Auto IV PlayStation 3 bundle ahead of the Rockstar title’s highly anticipated release next week.
Available on April 29, the same day as GTA IV, the bundle will consist of a 40GB PS3, a SixAxis wireless controller and a copy of the game. The package will go on sale for a recommended retail price of €439.
When Microsoft announced its deal with Rockstar for exclusive DLC for GTA IV, many predicted that this would provide a significant incentive for gamers to choose the 360 version instead of the PS3 version. But Australian presale figures seem to be telling a different story, with major retailers contacted by GameSpot saying the PS3 version was currently in the lead. SCE Aus fired back at MS's DLC incentive, finally confirming rumors that there is indeed PS3 GTA IV bundle on the way for Aus.
"Capcom Japan announced today that it will serve as publisher for the Japanese version of Grand Theft Auto IV. The game, both in its Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 incarnations, will be released on the island nation some time this year. Past Grand Theft Auto games have been published in Japan by Capcom to both critical and commercial success, with the games often selling over the 200,000 unit mark. Capcom tends to go all out, with promotional events and television commercials."
"According to a 1UP writer posting on NeoGAF, the PlayStation 3 version of Grand Theft Auto IV will require a 5-minute install before playing. He adds that the PS3 version also features optional SIXAXIS control for the helicopter, boat and motorcycle which he proclaims as 'pretty good.' "
Further to my comments below. Lazard Capital have said they expect GTA:IV to do 5m in two weeks with a 60:40 split between 360 and PS3 respectively.
That would mean after 2 weeks they expect the PS3 version to have sold 2m. I think that's a bit ambitious myself, even with a bump in hardware you're looking at around a 45-50% attach rate for the likely PS3 install base at the time.
I'm not so sure the split will be 60:40 or whether 5m copies will sell in 2 weeks but regardless, it's a hell of a long way from 2m to 8m regardless of what Canada, PAL, and > 2 weeks US sales might be. Even at the completely nuts 50% attach rate 16m PS3's need to be sold first.
So, the addressable PS3 install base for GTA:IV in late April is probably going to be around the 8-8.5m mark (NPD as of Feburary is 3.8m, add a bit for April+May and assume Can + EU makes up the rest.)
This game won't sell much in Japan, even if the PS3 western install base doubles in say the next year (unlikely in itself!), you're looking at a ~50% attach rate to get close enough to the 8m. That's over the next year, not now.
That's also without considering the 360 version, lead platform & associated DLC/marketing et al.
UK retailer Shopto has confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that a PlayStation bundle with Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto IV is due for release in Europe on April 29.
"We wondered just how much of a role multiplayer would play in GTA IV, and after seeing it in action, we're pleased to report that it's far from being a simple afterthought to the game."
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What is the total cost of each separated component ? I wonder whether this bundle mean discounted price or not.