E3: Take-Two demos GTA IV

Take-Two has demonstrated several of its upcoming titles at an E3 press conference, including the first live public demo of GTA IV.

The brief GTA IV demo consisted mostly of driving around Liberty City, which was described as "similar in scope to GTA: San Andreas, but intense in details, not only horizontally but vertically."

GTA IV is one of the most anticipated titles of the year and will be released on 16th October for Xbox 360 and PS3. The company said that they are not resting on their laurels, but are looking to redefine the genre that they, themselves, "created many years ago".

"We think it is going to set a new standard in interactive entertainment," said Take-Two's Strauss Zelnick.

BioShock, from 2K Games, was also demonstrated. This "genetically-enhanced" FPS from Irrational Studios will be launching in August for Xbox 360 and PC. "We think this is going to be a terrifically successful new franchise for Take-Two," said Zelnick.

Creator Sid Meier was on hand to demonstrate Civilization: Revolution, the latest instalment in the series which has sold over 8 million units to date. His goal is to make strategy a leading genre on consoles, and as a result, the game has been given a brand-new look with vibrant, emotional, and entertaining characters.

"Console players don't want to read manuals. They don't want to study to learn how to play the game," said Meier.

Civilization: Revolution will ship in spring 2008 for the Xbox 360 and PS3, with a DS version to follow in the autumn.

Finally, 2K Sports demonstrated their upcoming All-Pro Football 2K8 game, the company's first American football title since NFL 2K5, which sold over 3 million units worldwide. As the NFL licence is still exclusive to EA's Madden franchise, All-Pro Football allows players to customize the look of their teams and stack the roster with over 240 gridiron legends, taking them online to complete against other customized teams. The game ships next week on PS3 and Xbox 360.

"We want to be the most creative company in our industry, the most innovative company in our industry, and the most efficient company in our industry," said Zelnick.

Take-Two did not show or discuss Manhunt 2, leaving its future still up in the air.