GTA IV episodes confirmed Xbox 360 exclusives

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jun 16th 2007 at 12:00PM }

Take-Two has confirmed that the promised episodic content for Grand Theft Auto IV on PS3 will not show up and is now an Xbox 360 exclusive. Questions arose regarding the episodic content earlier this week when the financial reports for Take-Two's fiscal year did not have the PS3 content present, but did have the Xbox 360. The game will still launch on both consoles Oct. 16 (Europe will receive it Oct. 19). Despite the Pachter effect, the release date for GTA is still locked and loaded for those dates.

So, why did this happen? Could have been a nice sum of money dropped into Take-Two's mailbox, or there were development issues with the PS3 content. Although not earth shattering, it does differentiate the two console versions of the game now and adds another piece of straw to Sony's already cracking back.

[Via Xbox360Fanboy]

Tags: content, episode, exclusive, gta, gtaiv

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Fernando Rocker @ Jun 16th 2007 12:09PM

Its because the PS3 not worth the effort. Spending a couple millions dollars for episodic content is not a good business.

Anyway, people will buy the 360 edition...

JonnyBoy2U @ Jun 16th 2007 12:12PM

"Although not earth shattering..." BLAH BLAH BLAH

Can't wait to see the sony fanboys react to this. GTAQ IV is definitely on my Must Have list for this fall.

These rumors just keep coming true. So glad I don't have a ps3.

Rami @ Jun 16th 2007 12:13PM

Hey...thats fine with me since I got my 360. It may have to do with the install base since developing premium content for a small amount of users may not be prudent.

AntiXbox360 @ Jun 16th 2007 12:17PM

I am not interested in training to become a criminal, especially in easy to learn episodes.

Joe @ Jun 16th 2007 12:18PM

This is actually a big deal for most casual gamers. They'll care about getting more gameplay for their dollar, and thus will get the 360 over the PS3.

Erik Novak @ Jun 16th 2007 12:19PM

Ummmmmm...

Am I the only one on this board who remembers that the original announcement was "coming out for ps3 and 360 simultaneously, 360 will have exclusive episodic content." Jeez, this was like 2 years ago.

TheGuy @ Jun 16th 2007 12:22PM

I can already see this as a scorching flame-thread.

As for the episodic content, while Take-Two has said they're not gonna release episodic content that doesn't necessarily mean it wont have its own episodic content already in the game when it's released, due to Blu-ray's higher capacity. Even if that's not the case, Take-Two has said the PS3 will get it's own episodic content so it may be still planed but just not listed yet. Let's not jump to conclusions. Don't forget, it was GTA on PS2 that made the franchise so popular.

Jonathan Abbey @ Jun 16th 2007 12:22PM

Thanks again to all of you letting us know that you're glad you don't have a PS3.

I'm looking forward to being able to play GTA IV along with Ratchet & Clank, Uncharted, Lair, and Heavenly Sword.

Mogul218 @ Jun 16th 2007 12:26PM

OMG the PS3 just got owned again. http://ps3.justgotowned.com/

DSK @ Jun 16th 2007 12:30PM

"Don't forget, it was GTA on PS2 that made the franchise so popular."

I think you have that the wrong way round, the GTA franchise made the PS2 so popular. (Along with other exclusives)

Ryan de michigan @ Jun 16th 2007 12:34PM

If they are smart, sony will do everything in their power to get a little exclusive GTA action. GTA is arguably the biggest Next-gen game launching (on both consoles)this year. Giving a leg up to Xbox is tantamount to Sony shooting itself in the foot, and they know this.

In addition, all of the Commenters saying "Here comes the flame war" or " Lets see how the fanboys freak out over this" are not much better than the Trolls themselves. The more we are able to discuss this in a civil manner, the less likely this will turn into a mines-bigger-than-yours contest.

Spitkicker @ Jun 16th 2007 12:36PM

LOL@mogul218
That was great!

Mr Khan @ Jun 16th 2007 12:36PM

I still don't see why, at least everyone who buys the PS3 version has to have an HDD in thier console, something not necessarily true for 360

Phranctoast @ Jun 16th 2007 12:43PM

its sad that there exist a loser with that much time on their hands.

cc123 @ Jun 16th 2007 12:44PM

"It may have to do with the install base since developing premium content for a small amount of users may not be prudent."

Uhm No.

The engine will already be up and running for the PS3 version of the regular game. Also these episodes are downloadable.

If it is true that the PS3 will never get the episodes while the X360 does then it most likely involves a large sum of money from MS to T2.

Tom @ Jun 16th 2007 12:44PM

@5 You're definitely going to have to pay extra for the episodic content, so it really isn't the better value.

@6 I also remember Take-two saying the episodic content was only for 360- there was going to be some other features just for PS3, which I'm sure they'll talk about soon.

There is also a slight chance that the PS3 version will already have the episodic content content in the game (since Blu-ray has so much more space than a dvd, etc)

cc123 @ Jun 16th 2007 12:49PM

Amazon is getting in on the console war too. Check out the top right at this link:

http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=vg_nav_hp_ps3/002-1575334-6773665?ie=UTF8&node=14210751&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=left-1&pf_rd_r=077EQ5GFZWB2Y5HDHE1P&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=292845701&pf_rd_i=468642

MaulerX @ Jun 16th 2007 12:52PM

To #6: You are right.

I still have the video where Peter Moore showed his GTA IV tatoo (at E3) and proudly announced exclusive episodic content for the 360.

Ian Von Porter @ Jun 16th 2007 12:53PM

Yay, xBoxs get the choice to pay for online play and extra content... good for you guys.

BulletToothTony @ Jun 16th 2007 12:57PM

what about the 360's that don't have hdd?? do they still have some space?? i'm confused on this part

Scott @ Jun 16th 2007 12:57PM

#18 - But didn't Sony/Rockstar/Someone come out a few days later and say that PS3 would be getting episodic content as well? It would just be different from the 360 content.

This makes it sound like the PS3 will be getting no exclusive content now.

Contra666 @ Jun 16th 2007 1:07PM

#21 - They didn't.

There was "a source close to Rockstar North" that said there would be content for the PS3 version, but it went no further than being a rumor here on Joystiq and other sites.

Triforceowner @ Jun 16th 2007 1:12PM

For all we know the downloadable content is going to be content on the Blu-ray disc that didn't fit onto the DVD9. I doubt this would happen, because it would be like releasing half the game to people with core systems, which Rock Star said they would not do.

JonnyBoy2U @ Jun 16th 2007 1:19PM

I love how all the sony trolls are ASSuming that we'll have to pay for this extra content. And that it won't already be on the game when it ships out for the 360 this fall. That hasn't even been discussed or finalized yet so stop talking out of your ass

Even IF its true then who the fuck cares? I'll buy it regardless of the price because I WANT TO. Don't be mad because you're not going to have the same oppurtunity. And if it were on the ps3 then most likely the same thing would have occured. Face it you're just jealous that his another bad mark against sony.

The ps3 has no value and yet you all act like its greatest system out there. My 360 is doing just fine and I haven't had any problems with it. Plus I got the extended warranty just like I got on on my Wii. Any sensible gaming console owner would do the same because you can NEVER tell when your system is going to die on you or if a mistake was made with your particular system. Don't take chances. Its just that simple. So all the bitching about the 360's and its chronic breakdown problems is beyond dumb since it happens with EVERY console every generation.

GTA IV is gonna be awesome. And I'm glad Take 2 did this. OF course all the sony fanboys will spew the "Microsoft threw money at T2" line just to comfort themselves at night over the fact that Take 2 doesn't think the ps3 is worth investing in that much and favors the 360 this time around. Bunch of a haters.

rfom @ Jun 16th 2007 1:27PM

Wonder if its more to do with the fact that 360 owners are more likely to pay for those bits of additional content, after all they are willing to put up price gouging for multiplayer and peripherals thats a fact of life on the 360, and only on the 360.

Will @ Jun 16th 2007 1:38PM

Is it that developing on the PS3 is more expensive? I can't see file delivery / backbone being the issue. It's certainly unfortunate though. I haven't picked a side on the next-gens yet (though I went PS2 over XBox last time around). This game per se won't push me one way or another, but if this is a trend, it certainly makes a good case for the 360.

cc123 @ Jun 16th 2007 1:42PM

"Any sensible gaming console owner would do the same because you can NEVER tell when your system is going to die on you or if a mistake was made with your particular system. Don't take chances. Its just that simple. So all the bitching about the 360's and its chronic breakdown problems is beyond dumb since it happens with EVERY console every generation."

Extended warranties are not necessary on most electronics. They are offered by stores because it is a huge source of revenue for them since the electronics usually don't break down. Stop comforting yourself by saying all consoles break you stupid twat.

The 360 is the ONLY electronic I own which makes me wonder if it's going to work when I turn it on.

And people are already reporting that Best Buy isn't accepting walk in exchanges even though they purchased the product replacement plan from them. The piece of shit breaks down so much they are actually changing the rules from walk in exchange to mailing in for a voucher.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=163902

T H @ Jun 16th 2007 1:49PM

WOW JonnyBoy.. Sounds like you're the insecure hater to me.. No one even
mentioned "chronic XBox360 breakdown problems" in this thread.. And,
moron. It won't be shipping with the XBox360 version because it's
DOWNLOADABLE" episodic content... do you know how to read? Or were you
just all too excited to jump into this thread and go off on your rant..

Either way, I'm sure T2 will find a way to balance the scales. Trust
that.

Digi Smalls @ Jun 16th 2007 2:12PM

rfom - and PS3 owners are happy to pay $200 more for worse versions of games?

Blu-Ray certainly isn't showing itself to be necessary for games...WarHawk and Socom won't even fill a DVD9.

you don't have to buy the expensive peripherals on 360, but you had to pay that extra $200 for PS3. congratulations on being happy with the PS3 being a movie player first and a game machine second.

.

synce @ Jun 16th 2007 2:20PM

As much as I hate the PS3 and sure as I am that it will fail, I'll have to buy one in a couple of years when Fumito Udea releases his Shadow of the Colossus successor. I wish he weren't employed by Sony :(

BulletToothTony @ Jun 16th 2007 2:29PM

can anyone answer me please.. i don't know much about the 360.. but if the core doesn't have an hdd.. what happens to the core owners?? are they out of luck?? or is there some extra SMALL space still to download??

JonnyBoy2U @ Jun 16th 2007 2:33PM

TH YOU are the MORON because no where in there does it say it will be downloadable you dumbass

"Take-Two has confirmed that the promised episodic content for Grand Theft Auto IV on PS3 will not show up and is now an Xbox 360 exclusive. Questions arose regarding the episodic content earlier this week when the financial reports for Take-Two's fiscal year did not have the PS3 content present, but did have the Xbox 360. The game will still launch on both consoles Oct. 16 (Europe will receive it Oct. 19). Despite the Pachter effect, the release date for GTA is still locked and loaded for those dates.

So, why did this happen? Could have been a nice sum of money dropped into Take-Two's mailbox, or there were development issues with the PS3 content. Although not earth shattering, it does differentiate the two console versions of the game now and adds another piece of straw to Sony's already cracking back."

It just says episodic content will be EXCLUSIVE to the 360. CAN YOU READ? Cuz it clearly does not even include the word downloadable so where the fuck are you getting YOUR information. IF it is from another article then you have NO RIGHT to talk shit or call me a moron since I'm responding to THIS ARTICLE you idiot.

2nd I DID NOT say you need warranties for EVERY ELECTONIC device you own. I ONLY said that for gaming consoles and I'm sticking by what I said.

3rd someone before me DID mention that 360 owners are taking a risk and wondering at all times if it will break down so once again TH YOU ARE A LIAR.

TH you're a hater. Pure and simple. As for balancing sales i highly doubt that will happen when you compare how small the # of ps3 owners is to the huge number of 360 owners. Plus the fact that I'm sure some sony fanboys and trolls like yourself might protest and boycott the game.

Meanwhile I look forward to getting this exclusive content whether Take 2 decides to put it on the disc or make it downloadable. And whether or not its free does't matter because I'm sure it will be worth the wait and the money.

Steve @ Jun 16th 2007 3:02PM

"after all they are willing to put up price gouging for multiplayer and peripherals thats a fact of life on the 360, and only on the 360.

Posted at 1:27PM on Jun 16th 2007 by rfom"
A fact of life only on the 360? I've got news for you, so are things like ooooh, say, games maybe?

SimplePanda @ Jun 16th 2007 3:16PM

@17: You don't think it's strange that with only 3.5M PS3's sold worldwide (compared to 10M XBox 360's) that the pre-orders on Amazon only favor the 360 58 to 42?

Me thinks Take2 might have made a dopey decision on this one - a lot of PS2 owners who are loyal to Sony may make the leap to the PS3 in time for GTA4.

I hope MS gave T2 plenty of cash for this.

As for me - I'm still buying the PS3 version. The comments from Take2 that the PS3 was the lead development system and that there are already issues being encountered on the 360 because it lacks a hard disk requirement outweigh any downloadable content MS and Take2 care to sell me after the fact.

Trev @ Jun 16th 2007 3:28PM

As a PS3 owner,I don't know if I'll be disappointed about this, since I was never sure we would be getting it. If the episodes are only new strings of missions, eh. As much as I like the GTA missions, I always end up having more fun just fooling around. If there are new vehicles/weapons then I'll feel like I'm missing out. There's a tiny chance it might already be on the disc, taking up some of that extra space, but I doubt it's been developed yet.

cc123 @ Jun 16th 2007 4:10PM

@SimplePanda

Yeah it's def weird to have a 58/42 split. Then again it's so early that it might not be indicative of anything yet.

My only hope is that 360 gets a multi disc game while we get just one. Which to me would make it better on the PS3. If they made the entire game fit on one DVD and then used the exact same stuff on the PS3 then we already got completely downgraded.

I want to buy the PS3 version but if it's going to miss DL episodes AND be downgraded I might have to go with the 360 one.

Brandon Johnson @ Jun 16th 2007 4:33PM

To those who say that it might come pre loaded on the disk Rockstar said that this content is exlcusive to the 360.

A direct quote from the article

"The Grand Theft Auto IV episodic content is exclusive to Xbox 360."

How can it be exclusive to the 360 if it is on the PS3 version awnser me this.

Elbone @ Jun 16th 2007 5:49PM

LATWOL (

kevin @ Jun 16th 2007 6:40PM

well this can be good and bad. firstly noboby knows how much the episodic content will cost. second it may not even be worth it. Also nobody knows what the ps3 version will have, they could add other stuff as well or make the exclusive content timed. There just isnt enough information yet.

Mogul218 @ Jun 16th 2007 7:39PM

All the 58/42 split really reflects is that the 360 crowd barely has GTA IV on their radar since there's a ton of games coming out before it. Halo 3, Mass Effect, Bioshock, Blue Dragon, etc, etc, etc. The PS3 crowd on the other hand may as well pony up the dough now since there aint hardly shit coming out to speak of between now and October.

ShinobiFist @ Jun 16th 2007 8:10PM

Who ever thinks this content is going to be free is bugging. We are talking about M$ people, the ones that charge you 100ms points for gamer pictures folks, while you could get a full eps of Avatar for 160 ms points, I don't see the logic there. This generation of kids are crazy. This wouldn't fly back in the day. Paying for pics and maps, ya mofo's are crazy! Oh yeah, good move M$ make sure you advertise it right when the game is about to hit stores.

mccomber @ Jun 16th 2007 9:30PM

There shouldn't be any technical reasons, plain and simple. If you believe that they couldn't get episodic content to work, but can get the ENTIRE REST OF THE GAME to work, then I'd love to hear some realistic reasoning behind that.
It's all business, and that's it. Could be that they decided not to make it for the ps3 just because, or the more likely scenario that MS paid to make it exclusive. It's not underhanded, sneaky or anything else. It's just what MS is willing to do that Sony isn't. And yes, you will pay for it. No way you'll get something like this for free when map packs, extra songs and friggin horse armor come with a price-tag attached.

Zeus the God @ Jun 17th 2007 8:40AM

@#42 (mccomber)

The thing is, the PS3 is much harder to code and program for with it's (pretty much useless) Cell processor. They may just not want to go the extra mile and recode the same content, and waste money for possibly no pay-off.

I'm not doubting that Microsoft went and threw a bunch of money at Take Two, but I'm also saying that it can't be the sole reason, seeing as how Take Two has been with Sony for years.

jas @ Jun 17th 2007 8:53AM

Remember kids, the release trailer is on the 360 (like most initial multi-plaftorm games - Assassin's Creed, COD4).

For those that think that the 360 version will be 'worse', think again, it will look and play better on the 360, just like every other multi-plaftorm.

You also have to take into account that Rockstar has already had their new engine up and running for Table Tennis for the 360.

Sana @ Jun 17th 2007 9:33AM

@42

What about Oblivion? They made an "entire game work" but couldn't get downloadable content working.

Are you telling me that Bethesda doesn't want more money?

Or maybe it really is a case of two much work for too little pay-off. Not everybody who buys the game will buy the DLC, and when you're potential audience for one console is already between 1/3rd and 1/2 the other...

Makes perfect sense to me :)

And who said GTA was developed primarily on PS3?!? Like jas said, GTA is using the RAGE engine, and the only other use of RAGE so far is Table Tennis on 360!

That OPSM quote from Rockstar about the difficulties in coding for each console has been taken out of context so many times now it's not funny anymore!

AwesomeStuff @ Jun 17th 2007 1:21PM

I doubt its anything that you people listed as to why T2 is doing what it is for the PS3. Lol, remember whgat Sony said themselves? "We don't need GTA.." Maybe TS took that in spite and just gave them less of a deal compared to the 360's version. My 2 cents

AwesomeStuff @ Jun 17th 2007 1:27PM

Also to add on, with all the crap that the PS3 is going through as well, could you REALLY blame them? Heh, I guess the Sonygirls should appreciate them getting a GTA game at all

Jon D @ Jun 17th 2007 11:06PM

Episodic content = making up for lack of space on XBOX360 disc

Blu-Ray discs hold a MAX of approx 50 gigs....10 times what a single layer DVD holds, almost 5 times what a dual-layer holds....there's a reason they have to download the rest of the game, and it's because they didn't go the high yet pricey road on disc format.