Retail to struggle with GTA IV demand

By Games Industry.biz Published 8 April, 2008

Shortage warnings appear.

Online retailers GAME, Play.com and Gamestation have admitted they will struggle to cope with Grand Theft Auto IV demand when it is released on 29th April.

Limited Edition copies are still promised for delivery on launch day, but those of you after the standard version may face a wait if you haven't pre-ordered already.

"We cannot guarantee delivery on the day of release for orders placed on or after the 7th of April," states GAME on its website, while rival Play.com offers, "we are currently sold out of this item. All orders will be dispatched on a first come, first served basis."

Gamestation too, indicates that "due to unprecedented demand for the standard editions of Grand Theft Auto IV, we are no longer taking pre-orders for this version."

The Rockstar creation is expected to be one of the biggest games released this year, with some predicting it will top six million units in its first week of sale.

The retail community has been offering plenty of incentive to pre-order the title, with GAME giving away 500 free Microsoft Points to users, while HMV doubled that offer to 1000 Points as well as a book of vouchers worth GBP 130.

April and May could be massive sales months for the industry this year - as well as GTA IV, April will also see the release of Wii Fit from Nintendo, and Rock Band from EA, which was dated and priced for release today, is due out next month.

GamesIndustry.biz demands the truth. Can handle it, too.

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Comments (61) Latest comment 4 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • bad09 #1 4 years ago

    Sod pre-order, I'm gonna hit the high street 1st thing on 29th April. I'll get a copy for sure, early bird catches the worm....

    P.S. if rock band does well there truly is no justice in the world.

  • Cloudane #2 4 years ago

    SIX MILLION in one week!?

    That is a helluva lot.

  • mikew1985 #3 4 years ago

    Hmm was thinkin of a midnight launch but i'll just pre order in humvee in swords even though games never sell out over here in Ireland.

    Ah well better safe than sorry, i would be seriously pissed if i couldn't get hold of a copy

  • fightman3b #4 4 years ago

    i'll be downloading for my 360 off usenet so i couldnt give a fuck

  • asphaltcowboy #5 4 years ago

    Gamestation too, indicates that "due to unprecedented demand for the standard editions of Grand Theft Auto IV, we are no longer taking pre-orders for this version."

    Is that just the website or in-store too? I've got a large credit note that needs using!

  • Moz #6 4 years ago

    Can't say i'm surprised, though could be good for Sony if the console bundle is true, if people get desparate enough they'll go for that just to get the game.

  • speedjack #7 4 years ago

    Pre-ordered mine yesterday at Game.

    Assistant asked me if I wanted to pick it up at the midnight opening.

    How I laughed.

  • stampax #8 4 years ago

    How come the game is out on a Monday, rather than the usual Friday release?

  • Arcadiian #9 4 years ago

    @bad09.

    You'd be surprised. On the morning of the San Andreas release, I had to fight my way through 20 middle aged women. All as desperate as each other to remember which GTA they were buying, to prevent their little angels who were waiting in the car from throwing tantrums upon their return. The tension was unbearable. :)

  • gingerlink #10 4 years ago

    retailers have got trouble on their hands this month havn't they? Mario Kart, Wii fit and GTA IV shortages...

  • fightman3b #11 4 years ago

    enjoy worring about where and when you'll get this fucker from - i'll be 'picking mine up' straight off the usenet servers - and will sure as hell be quicker than all you cunts boasting about your fucking pre-orders.

    makes me laugh lol
    Edited by 1 at 08/04/08 @ 14:25

  • the_dudefather #12 4 years ago

    midnight launch + preorder + next day off work

    hell yeahs

  • professor_mamet #13 4 years ago

    I' m REALLY glad I pre-ordered my copy from Game on the 4th April. I'm sure people will still be able to shop around on the day for a copy, I just wanted those 500 Microsoft Points that game were giving away.

  • Darren #14 4 years ago

    I pre-ordered my copy of GTA IV for the 360 from GAME in July 2007 so I'd hope I'm high up their pre-order list! LOL

  • bad09 #15 4 years ago

    @ Arcadiian

    Maybe, but I had no trouble getting hold of SA. Plus for me in my area I have many, many choices in terms of stores to buy it from so it should be cool, just gotta started EARLY! :)
    Edited by 1 at 08/04/08 @ 14:28

  • space_ace #16 4 years ago

    Torrents to struggle with GTA IV demand

    fixed

  • Moz #17 4 years ago

    A Good place to look if you are having trouble is John Lewis asnot many people think to go there.

    I picked up my PSP on launch day at 6pm from there :) they still had 40 units left!!

  • systems #18 4 years ago

    @Arcadiian - wasn't GTA:SA 18-rated? And these daft mums were buying it for their kids? Blimey.

    I was glad I pre-ordered SA. There wasn't a copy to be found in the whole town center for a week.

  • George-Roper #19 4 years ago

    Think im going to wait for the 360 and PS3 reviews. Ive got a bad feeling about the PS3 version, for some reason, and definitely want the 'best' version, from a performance POV. DLC is obviously a plus for the 360 but I have more PS3 owning friends now, so MP on that side is my preference.

    I also really, REALLY, hope the gameplay vids, so far, represent debug/unoptimized code because its looking jerky as fuck and I hate that in games (which is why I have a fast as fuck gaming PC)

  • MrXBob #20 4 years ago

    I dont see the problem - order early.

    I mean i look through this comments page, and see people saying they ordered it yesterday, or today... Why? It costs you nothing to pre-order. You can always cancel the order, even a couple of days before release, with no penalty. So why not just pre-order it as soon as you see it? Personally i did mine on the 8th of Feb.

  • Moribundman #21 4 years ago

    @Arcadiian I'd be really fucked off if some bloody ignorant pramfaces bought all the stock before I got to the store. It's illegal, and those of them gifted with half a brain (so probably not many) are fully aware they're breaking the law just to shut up their stinking little brats...

    So long as online preorders don't run out I'm happy enough.

    Still, think how many people under 18 have got an online order for GTAIV by fair means or foul (wonder if the Byron report took into account how easy it is to get stuff online without being old enough... Debit card + Online order = no need to flash an ID card to the geezer in the shop).

  • ligurmatic #22 4 years ago

    I placed my GAME pre-order on the 6th, which I'm guessing places me on the bubble.

  • Moz #23 4 years ago

    Debit card + Online order = no need to flash an ID card to the geezer in the shop).

    To be fair thats not a huge concern, as you can only have solo or mestro under 18 and alot of site don't except them, plus under 18 who do have a card tend to be at least 15.

    Also part of the Byron report was about how children should be monitored when on the net, so it all come down to the same as the paraent who walk into shops and buy 18 rated stuff for their children

  • Eighthours #24 4 years ago

    I'm just praying that the need to get online copies to customers on release day means that the likes of ShopTo will be posting it out on the Friday or the Saturday.

  • Quine #25 4 years ago

    Meh- got down Dixons/Currys or the supermarkets and I bet they'll be packed with overlooked copies on the day.

  • ps3_2310 #26 4 years ago

    I will be outside a game on the 29th at 9:00 and will hopfully get one

  • macima #27 4 years ago

    "due to unprecedented demand for the standard editions of Grand Theft Auto IV, we are no longer taking pre-orders for this version."

    That smells of "come and buy the more expensive Limited Edition". How soon before GAME start to offer copies bundled with some old tat that's selling badly.
    Edited by 1 at 08/04/08 @ 15:07

  • gman7714 #28 4 years ago

    Lol at the Headbog doppleganger!!

    Pre-ordered mine from Game in Feb - Nice!!

    Even Army of Two was selling out in the supermarkets on release day!!

  • optimusprym8 #29 4 years ago

    pre-ordered the CE from GAME then they said that they didn't know if they would be getting any... pre-ordered from Play so ahve two if someone wants my spare (if GAME do get them which I can only assume they will..) ;)

  • anomagnus #30 4 years ago

    that extra floppy sounds awesome!!!

    i wonder content there is.

  • don81 #31 4 years ago

    Any one know why it's coming out on a tuesday?

  • the_dudefather #32 4 years ago

    same day as the US

    pay attention nintendo

  • mikew1985 #33 4 years ago

    Because its a simultaneous worldwide release and the yanks get games usually on a monday, tuesday actually whenever the dev wants to release them.

  • paulf #34 4 years ago

    I don't think its illegal for an over 18 to buy an 18 rated game/movie for a minor, its just illegal for an under 18 to buy themselves/ for the shop to sell to them - that was the point of the byron report saying that parents needed to be more notified of the content of the games they were buying

  • systems #35 4 years ago

    @paulf - the BBFC website is pretty clear on what an 18 rating means:
    [link url=http:// www.bbfc.co.uk/classification/c_18.php
    ]http://ww w.bbfc.co.uk/classification/c_1...[/link]

    '18' – Suitable only for adults

    It even has a special clause for 18-rated "digital games" stating that they need even more precaution than films due to the way that they are experience (actively rather than passively).

  • Mr_Brown #36 4 years ago

    I had no trouble getting SA. Got it from ASDA on the midnight launch. They had loads, though for some puzzling reason some people were walking away with 10 - 20 copies of it. 0_o

  • paulf #37 4 years ago

    @systems i was replying to Moribundman's comment about it being illegal to buy for under 18s - which it isn't - misguided maybe but not illegal

  • optimusprym8 #38 4 years ago

    it's illegal for the shop to sell it to you if they are aware you are buying it for someone younger than 18, I *think*

  • miiiguel #39 4 years ago

    I pre-oreder the obscenely expensive edition from Amazon.uk with no points! Am stupid...

  • tapper #40 4 years ago

    Have any gameplay trailers been released yet?
    Edited by 1 at 08/04/08 @ 16:50

  • penhalion #41 4 years ago

    @miiguel

    I don't even know if I'll like this game or buy it but, even I pre-ordered it on the grounds that my nephews are willing to pry the blasted thing from my cold dead hands (their words) if I don't like it.

  • bmoviebob #42 4 years ago

    Just ordered the PS3 version from Play.com, no problem at all. Shortages???

  • Moribundman #43 4 years ago

    Yeah, if anyone's ever worked in retail they'll be well aware that you are personally liable if you knowingly sell restricted products to adults who you suspect to be passing these on to minors. Same as booze and fags. Hence people in stores would rather you refused with a decent suspicion than allowed them to make the purchase.

    Of course it would be a nighmare trying to prove that a frumpy housewife or pikey pram pusher is in fact *not* buying "Grand Theft Auto" for herself (hmm) but she'll be the one writing outraged letters later and the only person who will get into trouble legally is the guy selling the damn thing. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

  • penhalion #44 4 years ago

    @Moribundman

    Pretty easy to prove actually as a staff memeber at Game proved this lunch time. I watched him ask a business suited bloke if he was pre-ordering GTA IV for himself or the 12 - 14 year old boy he had with him. The man replied it was for himself and the cashier simply asked if he was aware it was not suitable for those below 18.

    I had to hide a grin when the guy said "No it's for me" and the cashier (I have to give him props for this next bit) simply said "So this is the first mexican hero in a GTA game how cool is that". The guy said "Yea I'm looking forward to this" and our super cashier simply said "We don't have anymore pre-orders left I'm afraid" without even pressing anything on his keyboard. It was followed by a beautiful uncomfortable silence and finally the cashier says "Next". Needless to say I actually laughed out loud as did several people in the queue.

    :) LOL

    Edit (spelling sucks): Why aren't there more people like this in shops. Though I suspect his manager wouldn't have approved.
    Edited by 2 at 08/04/08 @ 17:55

  • shab #45 4 years ago

    For what it's worth, my local Blockbuster now have only 360 versions available for pre-order. Apparently, their PS3 allocation ran out some days ago...

    So maybe it's not marketing bs after all...

  • paulf #46 4 years ago

    isnt there a specific law against buying booze on behalf of a minor? Im not aware of an equivilant law regarding games or videos (partly for the reason you mention Moribundman that is very difficult to police) also its not illegal to allow your child to drink alcohol in your own house, nor is it illegal to show them a 18 rated film or let them play an 18 rated game - so these 'pramfaces' arent necessarily breaking the law. All down to parental responsiblility once more

  • Vin #47 4 years ago

    Am I the only bloke that doesn't really give a toss about GTA IV?

  • bad09 #48 4 years ago

    @ Vin

    Yes! :)

  • penhalion #49 4 years ago

    @Vin

    Nope but, we aren't in the majority O_o

  • r3n #50 4 years ago

    Just like the Harry Potter book 7 launch where hundreds were outside Waterstones, nobody bothered to check the 24 hour Tescos up the road which had hundreds of copies and no queue. This is where I'll be getting mine :o)
    Edited by 1 at 08/04/08 @ 19:34

  • kristo #51 4 years ago

    More like this press release is designed to help them with their stock allocations by frightening the meek into pre-ordering.

    They can do their own planning work thank you very much.

  • daddygerplex #52 4 years ago

    I work in a retail store (i aint allowed to mention which one or i will be in poo poo) and having seen our allocations compared to pre-orders they are extremely tight.

    So whilst there will be no doubt that the 24hour supermarkets will inevitably have a shitload, i dont doubt that the specialist retailers are all pre-ordered up as claimed.

  • smelly #53 4 years ago

    How do all these people KNOW it's actually going to be any good?

    I know the last games have been great. .but that doesnt mean 4 necessarily will be.

    Why not wait for reviews? Why are gamers in such a hurry to play things all the time?

  • bad09 #54 4 years ago

    @ smelly

    You have got to be kidding, right?

  • konnsky #55 4 years ago

    @vin:

    yes

    @smelly:

    "If you don't know by now, I doubt you'll ever know."
    Edited by 1 at 08/04/08 @ 20:34

  • captainrentboy #56 4 years ago

    I work in Game, and if a parent comes in with their child the parent can quite lawfully buy an age rated game for the spoilt bastard and be in no trouble whatsoever. We can't refuse the purchase at all, even if we blatently know who will be playing it.
    Obviously we can't sell the game to and except money from the child, or sell to a random adult if we've seen the kid ask them to get it for them, but what the kid's parent wants to do with a particular game is up to them.

  • Vin #57 4 years ago

    Looks like I am, then.

    Excellent. Take THAT, STATUS QUO.

  • smelly #58 4 years ago

    >You have got to be kidding, right?

    Nope.

    GTA 3 (and spin offs) were ace.

    it doesn't necessarily follow that GTA4 will be ace too. It probably will be, but there's a chance.. I remember the original driver was ace (for example), doesnt mean the sequels were.

    I'm holding off for the reviews (which no doubt will be suckered in by the hype too.. but it's worth waiting anyhows).




  • bad09 #59 4 years ago

    @ smelly

    Just from GTA3? It was a big hit long before then smelly! As for the chance of it being poor? Rockstar have never let us down and I have seen nothing to suggest they will this time. In fact from what I've seen I think it will blow us away!!

    As for Driver, the driving part was always good even in Driver 3, it's the "trying to be GTA" on foot parts that stank! ;)

  • smelly #60 4 years ago

    @bad09.

    Yeah I agree with you.. the chances are VERY slim.

    But there is a chance there.

    Besides, for me, even if it IS great - i want to wait to see if the ps3 version is better than the 360 one... as if it is, it might convince me to get a ps3

  • bad09 #61 4 years ago

    well I've yet to get my PS3 (MGS is my excuse!) but if I did have it I'd still go 360. They are pretty much identical apparently but I'd go with the 360 purely for the better pad (IMO) and of course that DLC. I'm sure for the money MS spent on it it will be something special.

  • Gaol #62 4 years ago

    "Sod pre-order, I'm gonna hit the high street 1st thing on 29th April. I'll get a copy for sure, early bird catches the worm.... "

    First comment could be the last, this strategy always works.

  • chrisjm #63 4 years ago

    "Just ordered the PS3 version from Play.com, no problem at all. Shortages??? "

    they havent delivered it yet! play are hardly reliable they cancelled hundreds of mario kart orders 2 days ago.