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GRAND THEFT AUTO V has raked in more than one billion dollars (€740 million) in a record-shattering first three days on the streets for the computer game, the publisher of the game has said.
Take-Two Interactive Software said it believed that the blistering pace of GTA V sales “marks the fastest (of) any entertainment property, including video games and feature films.”
“Grand Theft Auto is a cultural phenomenon, and Rockstar Games continues to redefine what can be achieved in interactive entertainment,” said Take-Two chief executive Strauss Zelnick.
Take-Two’s unit Rockstar Games spent five years crafting the title, with a rumored production budget of $270 million (€200 million), and the time has paid off for gamers, according to a slew of reviews giving it top marks.
The GTA franchise has won legions of fans and cadres of critics with gameplay in which triumph depends on acts such as carjacking, gambling and killing.
Play in Grand Theft Auto games has included simulated sex with prostitutes and drunken driving. The latest version is said by reviewers to be rife with more of the same, along with realistic dialogue.
The fifth installment in the GTA series is set in a fictional city of Los Santos based on real-world Los Angeles and its nearby hills and beaches.
It is billed by the New York City-based videogame publisher as the “largest and most ambitious” title in a franchise that has sold more than 114 million copies since its debut in 1997.
Versions of GTA V for play on Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 videogame consoles launched worldwide on Tuesday. Sales of the game are expected to be boosted with upcoming launches of the title in Japan and Brazil.
The estimates by Take-Two blow away the prior sales record set last year by Activision Blizzard’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 — which topped a billion dollars in sales after 15 days on the market in 2012 and boasted an opening day more profitable than any Hollywood film debut at the time.
Take-Two noted that the 2012 blockbuster “The Avengers” took 12 days to bring in $1 billion, beating the previous record of 19 days set by “Avatar” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.”
Fans say GTA appeals with captivating story lines and an open-world format that lets players go wherever they wish in game worlds, noting that players can rob banks, take a yoga lesson or fly a plane, as well as play with or against one another online.
Rockstar said that GTA V “focuses on the pursuit of the almighty dollar” in a re-imagined Southern California.
Grand Theft Auto IV blew away videogame and Hollywood records by raking in an unprecedented $500 million in the week after its release in 2008.
A hit for the team?
I’m sure the people in the hospitality sector are delighted with that.
@David Corrigan: Maybe read past the headline.
He’s saying that because they are trying to push for more supports for the hospitality sector and less supports for industries less affected.
@Cynical: You should stop trying to be smart. It really doesn’t suit you. I know what he’s saying.
My point is still valid i.e. I am sure the people working in hospitality don’t feel good at the moment as they have no idea if they can make an income by working or if there will be supports in place.
Do you understand that?
@David Corrigan: I’m pointing out that you’re incorrectly taking the quote out of context and the phrase is being used here to show support to the sector, acknowledging what they have sacrificed for this imperfect situation, in an effort to convince other members of government to increase support only for those that need it.
So again, even if The Journal try to bait your emotions, please read the article after the headline.
What’s the endgame?
@john smith iv: pretty much the same as the marvel one :)
@Raymond Scott: Hi Raymond, totally agree. I also need some advice if you have a minute. I’ve been trying to make a hat from the Dunnes own brand tinfoil but I don’t think it’s a heavy enough gauge. I don’t want to waste more money than required because most of my savings are in gold and crypto, but have you tried any of the premium foil brands and would there be any that you’d specifically recommend?
@Raymond Scott: “fully controlled” – fully controlled how exactly?
@Rob Hunt: ridicule all you want, you not see the pattern? Think all happens coincidental? I predict before xmas Irish government will ban non vaccinated from non essential shops and announce mandatory vaccination. Like just happened today in Germany. I cant help you see.
@Gavin Conran: that is the simple part. How do they ban un vaccinated from restaurants now? Just make sure the app shows red cross if eg you havent paid taxes due etc. Whatever condition.
@Raymond Scott: sounds good. Looking forward to doing all that and having a beer.
@Rob Hunt: what’s the end game, Rob?
A hit for who’s team Leo the leak
Now that FF are a charity, Leo might encourage FF to support the people affected.
What about supporting the staff – they too will feel the the loss of earnings this Christmas
A hit for the team!!!easy to know this man is not self employed.coming up to Christmas with doors closed probably a few of them will not be opening the doors again.
This government = a grinch
Bring back the previous rates of EWSS support to end of March 22
Peace by inches.
We already have staff moving on to reduced hours due to the impact the latest government advice has had on trade, there are no supports for them now are there? They have rent and bills to pay now not next week
have your say