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Retail to struggle with GTA IV demand News
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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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asphaltcowboy
08/04/08 @ 13:19
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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! |
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@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. :) |
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gingerlink
08/04/08 @ 13:23
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retailers have got trouble on their hands this month havn't they? Mario Kart, Wii fit and GTA IV shortages...
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professor_mamet
08/04/08 @ 13:26
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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.
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George Roper
08/04/08 @ 13:31
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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) |
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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. |
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Moribundman
08/04/08 @ 13:36
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@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). |
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ligurmatic
08/04/08 @ 13:40
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I placed my GAME pre-order on the 6th, which I'm guessing places me on the bubble.
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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 |
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Eighthours
08/04/08 @ 13:56
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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.
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"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 1 times,
most recently on 08/04/08 @ 15:07
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optimusprym8
08/04/08 @ 14:22
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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..) ;)
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@paulf - the BBFC website is pretty clear on what an 18 rating means:
http://www.bbfc.co.uk/classification/c_1... '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). |
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optimusprym8
08/04/08 @ 15:43
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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*
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Moribundman
08/04/08 @ 16:06
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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. |
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@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 2 times,
most recently on 08/04/08 @ 17:55
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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
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daddygerplex
08/04/08 @ 19:08
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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. |
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