Whilst I dont doubt the popularity of GTA IV I do doubt the restricted availability of it, and seems like the cliche pre-release hype to me. Am so bored of GAME employees telling me I need to reserve this game and that - hardware shortages are one thing, but software ? Of course this has happened in the past, but would be surprised if it happens for GTA. It was easy to get a copy of Halo 3 despite its massive launch day release.

Also - the focus on how popular it is on PS3 sounds like retailers are taking advantage of the first true blockbuster on PS3 in order to boost it sales, and scaring consumers into purchasing now in order to avoid disappointment. Still, I will be interested to see how the format sales match up, with 360's exclusive downloadable content, against the fact that many people still believe, much like DMC, that GTA belongs on Sony.

Someone obviously does not remember the lack of stock for the GTA:VC or SA launches when most places had sold out by midday.

You'll pleased to here then that PS3 is to also get its own DLC for GTAIV later in the year, much of which will coincide with HOME. So, that also puts an end to MS's advantage with the 360 version.

Fanboys...

Yawn

The Fan Boys are here....

Quit it you sad sad people.

It a simple choice bewteen 360 DLC and free online access on ps3. each have different merits but with about 15 multiplayer modes not having to pay more for it may swing it for many.

Who cares about which ones best. Lets just make a **** load of money!!! YEAHHHHHH :)

Games do not kill consoles. They can make consoles, but they do not kill them. Wii will be just fine - it isn't aimed at the GTA market - it never has been.
Mainly to avoid pointless fanboy battles like this, and focus on the many millions of people with girlfriends and lives.
I have all 3 consoles, and I use them all for different things. The wii for friends and family, the 360 for top quality HD gaming, and the PS3 for holding an old door shut, or possibly pressing flowers and reaching high shelves.

Really - its just a game - it will be great, but please stop this vitriolic nonsense, these are blocks of electronics to play other peoples games on.

If you want to tell everyone how much you love Sony/M$oft of Nintendo, get their logo tattood on your face. It will do the job for you and have the addedd benefit of letting the deaf know too.

Honestly, I believe it. The PS3 doesn't have that many hyped games coming out soon (Not that it needs to, GTA and MGS3 are going to change things massively in the hardware market), so when a game does get the hype, almost every PS3 owner will buy the game.

I will still be buying the 360 version, simply because I want the DLC, and I pay for Live anyway on games like CoD4, DoA4 and Chromehounds.

However, it appears that MCV is leaning towards Sony as a whole; check Neil Long's appearance in gamesTM as part of it's OMG YEAR OF THE SONY article. They actually rate Sony's online service. Tell me that when they stop shutting down servers for current-gen games.

Shops will not have enough supply as their pre-orders are on allocation. We ordered 100 copies on 360 and 60 on PS3 and have been cut to 50 on 360 and 20 on PS3.

RE Fanboys etc above:

Number 7 has a very good point. Xbox 360 you've got to buy the box, get the adapter, find out how to sign up to live, worry about how it's all going to work... Turning a computer is hard enough for some people, believe me. I get people asking me how I Insert > Picture > into document on word EVERY single day at work.

PS3 is as plug and play as online gaming gets - argueably easier than PC too. It has to be said that the online features are probably going to be overlooked by the more casual GTA players.

Dont suprise me, i remember going to get my Vice city Pre-order from Game i said you were lucky you came in now there's only 1 copy left and thats only going to pre-order holders and youve got it.

SA - ordered from Games website and when it came and i was signin the postman even knew it was GTA.

GTA IV - had it pre-ordered on GAME website since march last year so i think my copies safe

@ Indie

I can back you on this point, we ordered over 1000 copies in total and are only gettin about a third.

Its not currently a question of excess demand, but rather one of lack of supply!

I would really like someone from either Take Two or Gem to explain why we are not getting what we ordered.

MCV I challenge you as a trade magazine to ask them and publish their replys.

GAME stopped taking pre-orders today. Bear in mind that my small store has 200 pre-orders on 360 and 180 on PS3, and there are many stores and many other companies before you even consider online.
These are double the halo pre-order figures and you are looking at a massive launch.............do not be surprised if you cannot get one on the 29th......may have to wait a couple of days.......Me?.......I just hope it lives up to the hype

Chilren,Children! I've already got my copies on both formats,and will be retailing both(only managed to get 25,000 of each) two days prior to launch due to an admin error-but it does hurt that we're only making £6.42 on a RRP 0f £38.99.
Best Mr Asda
PS You should see the tits!

Who cares, Wii's the best Mario kart racing FTW.

I agree with the comment made by Texus Instrument, to the Fanboys go out & get a tattoo on your face then everyone can know how stupid you are including the deaf. Thanks you made me laugh, also to the fanboys, purchase the other console that you critise so much then you will realise all the consoles are very good, its a matter of what you can afford. I should add I also believe that thier is a lot of hype for GTA VI but it is justified the game will be amazing(which ever console you own).

I really do doubt you will be able to walk in to a store & purchase on the day but you just dont know until the big day, roll on the 29th. I want this game so much Im struggling to enjoy any of the games on my consoles & I have just purchased a few new ones, Give me GTA VI NOW I cant take the wait anymore.

@ 18

GTA VI? You could be waiting sometime for that.

Regards

Anally retentive Roman Numeral Fan

oh really, asda already have stock do they? 21 days before release?

Tits my arse.

@12 - Get what adaptor? A fresh 360 out of the box will immediately step you through setting up an account for live, but you would know that if you ever used (or sold) one...

@18 & 19 - GTA VI with different coloured vehicles and a couple of new guns will be out by next year if EA get their hands on the IP... (joke)

I think you missed TORC's joke entirely. In so many words I think he was saying that what ASDA will do and I have a feeling that he is not a fan of what will inevitably happen...

Ok so I made a mistake should have been IV is that ok. I will remember now.

Sabs now lets try and concentrate and spell JOKE,as in you!
Thanks for making my day sparky!

So its 24hrs since this article was posted, why has their been no statement from Take Two or Gem?

Where has the stock gone?

Its still 2 weeks till launch why has insufficient stock been produced?

When will their be more stock?

Is this shortage deliberate or due to incompitence?

dan007
Its called hype!-Do you want the game?Can't get it?Need it bad?Sweats hitting you?Friends talking-not to you?E-bay- pay anything need it biatch!Learn to spell numb nuts,see the rectangular gateway?Through the portal is a game-LIFE

@Torc

Thank you for your comments, I can assure I have a very fulfilling life.

I'm not concerned for the reasons you assume in your post, and if you had taken the time to read the previous messages you will clearly see I work for a Games retailer.

My questions aren't fueled by a desire to play the game myself, but by the feeling that once again the inadequacies of this industry are showing themselves.

Surely in any sane industry if you place a order for x units of product 3 months prior to launch, you will receive x units of product come launch. Show me any other industry that operates in the shambolical fashion that this one does.

It took me 2 months to get COD 4 from an actual, real shop where I HAD to spend a physical gift voucher... Don't moan, don't scorn - just be patient, and just remember the world is about 4 weeks from collapse at any point in time...

13 years in gaming retail(as owner) tells me that you want to help others-but your beautiful dream shows the flaws of nievity in a world gone bad(tried to be more pretencious but threw up)and in this sane industry DONT call me Shirley!Green sir is your colour - gettttttt over it girlfriend!
Best

@torc

So as a proprietor of a games retailer are you happy with your allocation? Are you receiving the number of copies you preordered?

If not, should you not also wish to highlight this injustice.

Keeping with the spirit of the game I'm 'jacking 4 different trucks in 4 different counties,and executing 4 people in the face-I believe its what Rockstar would want.I will be selling at full RRP so as not to cause suspicion,so Yes I believe I should get full allocation.Justice.

I think the point made by the first comment ir right. I bought halo 3 at 9am the day it came out and there was only about 10 other people there, and that was at a city center GAME in Edinburgh. I have to agree that I too reckon companies like Rockstar hold back stock in order to create hype. As for people who are still nattering on about hating any console that rivals their own, get a grip. At the end of the day they are all overpriced hunks of plastic.

I agree with scottmpamp. I seriously doubt there will be an issue just waltzing into a decent games store and just picking up a copy of GTA IV today. Do we really think Rockstar would allow there to be no stock with a game as massive as this? Shame on them if so.

Well, popped into Game today, pre-order sales only!

I hate all this artificial rubbish. At the end of the day you're talking (for the 360 version) about manufacturing DVDs. It's not like the PS3 shortages where they said they couldn't get a crystal for the bluray laser or what have you.

Could an economist explain the strategy?

I had pre ordered mine from play.com but popped into game at 8am to pick a copy up. When I rang to check she told me they had a couple left, when I got there there were loads but they would only sell me a game if I bought the £13 walkthrough guide! So I spent nearly £60! Luckily the postman bought my game I had pre ordered so I returned the it to game.

It is so out of order they will not sell the game unless you buy a stupid walk through! They said it was only pre orders only unless you spent more money with them!