Sony promotes GTA4 as 'meant to be played on the PS3' [update]
by Kyle Orland 
{ Apr 22nd 2008 at 6:00PM }
[Update 7:36PM: Amazon PR Manager Tammy Hovey confirmed to Joystiq that the Sony wording was in fact "a campaign paid for by Sony" and that Microsoft will be "doing something similar next week." Stay tuned ...]
Video game retailers don't often take explicit sides in the console wars, and why should they? A retailer makes largely the same money selling a copy of a PS3 game as selling the same game on the Xbox 360. So it struck us as a little odd that Amazon is currently promoting the questionable proposition that Grand Theft Auto IV is "meant to be played on the PS3" on the front page of its Video Games section.
To be fair, the page does seem to randomly toggle between the PS3 message and an entreaty to "Experience Grand Theft Auto on Xbox 360" with reloads. But this still leaves the question as to why Sony's system is the one that the game is "meant to be played on." Is this an effort by Amazon to boost sales of the PS3 version of the game? A promotional consideration purchased by Sony? The work of an overzealous Amazon database jockey? We're not sure, but we'll let you know if and when we find out. [See update above for the answer.]
Regardless of why Amazon printed the quote, the question remains: Is it true? While Rockstar's Dan Houser did say last year that the Xbox 360 was creating "limitations" for the game, Rockstar's Jeronimo Barrera said the PS3 was a "contributing factor" in the game's delay. Regardless, most Joystiq readers say they'll be taking advantage of the Xbox 360 version 's Achievements and Xbox Live integration next week ... despite what Amazon says is "meant" to be.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
skidawg @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:06PM
wait for it.....
here comes 75+ comments
Dr. Zoidberg @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:28PM
ROFLMAOLOLOMGWTF-FTWBBQ
Cesaria (SSBB: 3136-6466-5083) @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:28PM
I see your 75 and raise 150.
DangerMouse @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:32PM
Too modest. I'm banking on over 100.
DangerMouse @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:32PM
Wow, so much for leaving my PC for 10 minutes and coming back to submit.
Crap.
finnith @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:45PM
I'm thinking around 175-200 comments
The Artist formally known as Jesus @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:49PM
Ok Bob, I'll say 201 comments
ThePremierAssassin @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:51PM
NNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Killer @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:59PM
This article has already been shown to be a waste of time by even ps3fanboy.com. Check out the article. The reason it does that is the amount of games you purchased for you're ps3. If you bought more games for the 360 you would get everything playstation 3 switched with xbox 360. It's a marketing ploy plain and simple. Don't blow it out of proportion, after all the statement even spells playstation wrong! >;>
Check for yourself...
http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2008/04/22/gta-iv-meant-to-be-played-on-the-ps3-says-amazon-com/
rv @ Apr 22nd 2008 8:12PM
We'll get to 75 on post count estimations alone.
Cesaria (SSBB: 3136-6466-5083) @ Apr 22nd 2008 10:59PM
15 more, baby! Or is that 14?
skidawg @ Apr 23rd 2008 11:47AM
wow, yeah, i way underestimated that one...
vidGuy @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:06PM
I'd say that the guarantee of DLC on the 360 makes THAT the version meant to be played. Could this be the act of Sony fanboys at Amazon?
John McPoop @ Apr 22nd 2008 9:03PM
Well I disagree ... After all I associate GTA with the PS Brand ... This is because every GTA I have played has been on the PS family of consoles ... The DLC is extra and will most likely run the cost of an expansion pack ... Something like $29.99 an episode ... If you think that paying more money makes the 360 the console thats better for GTA I have to disagree ... Just like DMC 4 was a must buy on the PS3 so is GTA IV in my opinion ... If the DLC is super cheap or free and actually adds playable islands as rumored its certainly an edge ... But, the game is complete out of the box so the extra DLC is just icing on the top of the cake ... I have never finished a GTA 100% and I doubt this will be any different ... I guess it really comes down to associations and preference ... I prefer to play GTA the same way I always have ... On a PS console ... Also, all of my real life friends only have PS3's and that plays heavily into my thinking ... To each his own but I disagree about the DLC making the 360 the console to play GTA on ... Its a great option but in the end it will probably add up to the cost of another game ... If it's cheap or free I will eat my words
PSN: KillaKornbread (the shirt is a lie!) @ Apr 23rd 2008 12:16AM
you dont even know what the DLC is yet. sure it could be great, but it could possibly be not so great. sure i do the same thing when talking about future PS3 games but the same thing applies across the board.
Tim The Enchanter @ Apr 23rd 2008 9:54AM
@John "Also, all of my real life friends only have PS3's " you're making really hard for me not to joke about how many or few friends you have... but I won't. I just won't. Because that wouldn't be nice.
I see DLC as huge value added. I've played the others on PS2 as well, but that doesnt mean I won't consider Live and DLC just for the sake of keeping it on the same console. I like both of them.
But if for you, it makes no difference since you probably wouldnt get far enough in the main game to bother with DLC, then that's perfectly reasonable.
John McPoop @ Apr 23rd 2008 10:02AM
@Tim
Well thats kind of the point ... I will probably beat the main story but as far as getting 100% on all the missions its never going to happen ... Thats like getting 100% on Gran Turismo its just nearly impossible ... What I should of said is that all of my real life friends that play video games have a PS3 ... But, just because you probably live in some small redneck town where no one can afford a PS3 doesn't mean everyone else does ... I know about 6 people that all have PS3's here and we will all be getting GTA IV & MGS 4 when they drop on the PS3 ... And I am of the opinion that GTA is meant to be played on a Sony console ... If you don't agree then get it for the 360 and be happy ... I don't give a shit what you do ... Also, I have been avoiding buying games for my 360 because since I bought it at launch I have had a myriad of problems with console failure ... I am not going to repeat i again but if you find some of my other post you will see what I am talking about ... Jeez man you act like no one owns a PS3
Tim The Enchanter @ Apr 23rd 2008 10:29AM
Well John, first off, the friends thing was a joke. If that wasnt clear to you, then I don't know what to say as nothing else will be.
I have both, and have plenty of friends who have 360's and/or PS3's. I never said no one has a PS3. Again, a joke.
Also, you may not have noticed that I said, "But if for you, it makes no difference... then that's perfectly reasonable." Meaning I see your point the case you mention, I'm actually saying I agree with your decision. My 360 hasnt broken down, so I don't have the same issue as you.
So check your own neck before calling another one's color man.
arrrgh @ Apr 23rd 2008 10:35AM
i hope you enjoyed installing DMC4 while the rest of us were busy playing it mcpoop :)
vidGuy @ Apr 23rd 2008 11:43AM
Wow, some people don't like the concept of DLC >_< The point I was making is simply that there will be an OPTION for more content on the 360 than has been announced for the PS3. The DLC is 10 hours long; I'm sure John's right in saying it will be expensive, but it's something that PS3 gamers won't even have the option to play.
Anyway, considering that Sony paid for this additional ad, I'd say that there's little claim that the PS3 version is the way to play.
SUPER DESU @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:10PM
Wow, slow news day, huh?
Jnas @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:10PM
360 vs PS3 flamewar GO!
Vince UK @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:43PM
OK, "Hey Rockstar, we want GTA IV but it's just too big and glorious for a DVD9. How about you hack it down to size and let us sell those bits on later as exclusive DLC? Before you answer I would like you to look at this cheque"
Hyams @ Apr 22nd 2008 7:14PM
The PS3 has Lair, which has dragons, which can breath fire.
Ergo, PS3 automatically wins the flame war. Because it has Lair.
Zeus.:God @ Apr 22nd 2008 10:17PM
But Lair sucks, and therefore inhales that fire, flaming itself, and dying- doing nothing for the PS3.
Fernando Rocker @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:10PM
Lets see:
Both versions same price, same sound, same soundtrack, same graphics.
Just one version will have achievements, custom soundtrack, game invites even if the other is playing other game, messages with friends even if he is playing other game, rumble without the need of buying another controll, plus exclusive episodic content.
Both for the same, but one has more value...
PointyThings @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:14PM
The 360 version has custom soundtracks?!
I reiterate: If you're still buying the PS3 version and have a 360, you're stupid. I like the controller too guys but Jesus Christ, get over it.
Ninjakamster @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:18PM
I'll be honest, I would surely buy the 360 version of the game but since I'm buying a PS3 next month and can only afford time and money for one console, I'm stuck to its games and inferior multiplatform titles, yay!!!
I think there are some that are PS360 owners but will get the PS3 version as their afraid of their console RRODing.
I'm not trolling here, but you guys think we may see a sizable number of 360s dying from this game? I know I'd play this game for hours on end.
tmacairjordan87 @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:24PM
I...agree
my god fernando you're actually making sense!
Co @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:29PM
But which version can still be played while the console is suffering thru a RROD?
ZZZIIINNNGGGG!!!!!!!
Jnas @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:30PM
"achievements, custom soundtrack, game invites even if the other is playing other game, messages with friends even if he is playing other game"
All these things are software based on the 360, not with the actual game. In fact, the PS3 will most-likely get these features down the line (with the exception of achievements...). But in anycase, are they really worth bragging about? "Game invites even if the other person is playing another game"...oh yeah, i don't care about episodic content, but THIS is pure awesomeness!...
NATO_Duke @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:30PM
Oh c'mon, you are so trolling! Why the heck would a 360 get the rrod because of THIS game? There are plenty of people playing the hell out of their other games, and some of us leave out 360's on all of the time without it happening. Mine has even had days of multiple people using it over 24 hours without a problem. (My PS3 is also always on, and has no issues.)
The only reason you would ask if we think it will cause rrod's is in order to get the SDF all hot and bothered.
Here, lets just please you all right here and now:
The 360 sux ass,
Atari's Jaguar kills Chicago kids,
Intellivision sux,
Wii teaches monkeys to kill nuns,
3DO blows,
Coleco sux,
Gamecube rapes babies,
Atari 2600 sux,
N64 is the devil,
Sega Saturn sux,
Dreamcast eats your food,
and the PS3 is the greatest thing to grace this earth.
There. Happy? Now you can stop using rrod as your default for every topic that touches the two systems being compared. Move on.
marcandrer @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:31PM
is it just me or do you copy-paste "the list" everytime there's a game thread on joystiq ?
NATO_Duke @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:34PM
Thats the first time I have used that list, so its just you.
Richie @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:38PM
@Jnas
True. The 360 does have all those things built in,but would u rather what who knows how long to get all the features 360 gamers have for ps3? If you don't own a 360 then yes the ps3 version is your only buy. I honestly don't see much of a reason to get the ps3 version unless that's your only console.
Noshino @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:57PM
Lets see:
Both versions are sold retail for the same price, same sound, same soundtrack
As far as graphics goes, there was a comment about a reviewer stating that the PS3 version run better, but well, let's wait to see if all the other reviewers state the same or not
"Just one version will have achievements, custom soundtrack, game invites even if the other is playing other game, messages with friends even if he is playing other game, rumble without the need of buying another controll, plus exclusive episodic content."
Custom soundtrack is available for PS3, its just up to the dev to implement it or not.
"Both for the same, but one has more value..."
if you are going to include the "exclusive" DLC, then you might as well not state that they both cost the same as that DLC most likely will not be free...
Let's restate it then:
One has more value, but also costs more
Better huh?
Matt B @ Apr 22nd 2008 7:12PM
Can't wait for all the "GTA killed my 360 stories" that will pop up next week.
That screams value to me.
:P
Hyams @ Apr 22nd 2008 7:19PM
Fernando, I fail to see what any of the things you posted have to do with GTAIV. They're all just general advantages the 360 has over the PS3.
(And in that case you should add 'free online play' as a PS3 advantage.)
Ninjakamster @ Apr 22nd 2008 7:22PM
Damn, sorry.
I just hear so many stories of RRODs so I just made an assumption, looks like it was very incorrect.
But hey, just like you get your panties in a bunch when we talk about the 360 getting RROD, your argument that the PS3 has no games is getting old as well.
Both issues are getting fixed so all is good.
Miguel @ Apr 22nd 2008 9:14PM
Achievements? My roomate has a 360 and Im getting the game on that; however, I dont really know what these points are for and I dont see what is so great about them. It seems stupid to me. How is this a reason to get it on xbox? Can you get buy stuff with these points or get something extra that is not on the PS3?
Zeus.:God @ Apr 22nd 2008 10:22PM
Wow, Ninja- not all 360s fucking RRoD. I'm getting pretty sick and tired of it all the damned time. I'm still on my ORIGINAL LAUNCH CONSOLE, MANUFACTURED ON OCTOBER TWELFTH, 2005. I have played thousands of hours of Gears of War, Halo 3, Forza 2, Test Drive Unlimited, Bioshock, among many other games. I have NEVER gotten the RRoD.
I will play the EVERLOVING SHIT out of GTA IV, and I can GUARANTEE that I won't get the RRoD.
John McPoop @ Apr 22nd 2008 11:23PM
@Zeus
Your the lucky one then ... I have had a total of 6 RRODs since I bought my launch console ... In fact the last time I got my console back from repair it had an incorrect DVD region so it couldn't play American DVDs ... The issue is not overblown is still a huge problem ... I have pretty much stopped playing my 360 in the last 3 or so months ... It just sits there because its a POS ... The only thing its good for now in my opinion is exclusives and sports games ... Other than that I loathe it so much ... The RROD is a SERIOUS issue and not overblown ... In fact, there are even more hardware problems related to overheating not accounted for in the stats and not fixed under Microsoft's extended warranty ... things like Disc read errors ... I just think your in denial ... Sure some people probably exxagerate things but don't fool yourself into thinking its not a huge problem ... Now maybe the newer 360's with the smaller chip sets have less issues with hardware failure but I wouldn't know because when you send a console in thats the same console you get back ... You don't get one back with HDMi or the new chip sets ... Its retarded ... You would think they would send out stable consoles so this stupid ass problem would be fixed but they keep repairing bad consoles with bad parts ... Anyway, its a legitimate problem whether you like to hear about it or not ... Let me guess you have Vista, a 360 and a Zune but your not a Microsoft fanboy ...
Zeus.:God @ Apr 22nd 2008 11:44PM
McPoop, then I would recommend taking care of your console. I know the 360 isn't that reliable, but no way in Hell have you gone through 6 consoles for that reason alone- there must be something else involved.
I guarantee you that there is something other than defect causing your RRoDs. Try making sure it has enough room to get sufficient amounts of fresh air. If you have a launch console thats been repaired, then yours has BETTER cooling (bigger heatsinks) than mine, and its not like one just randomly quits over the other 6 times for no reason. Foxconn may not be the best company, and I certainly hope MS doesn't contract them again for future console motherboards, but they aren't that unreliable.
Try looking closer to home, buddy.
Zeus.:God @ Apr 22nd 2008 11:56PM
Also, don't have Vista, have a 360 that I haven't touched in a week or two, and a Zune that I use daily. That makes me a fanboy, right? Because I defend the truth and call people out on the bullshit they spew, that makes me a fanboy?
Right McPoop- I'm a fanboy for telling the facts, right? How stupid can you be? I'm not a fanboy of ANYTHING. I don't care what it is, if its a good product, and fulfills what I want, I'll buy it! I've owned several iPods in the past- does that make me an Apple fanboy as well? Maybe I'm a Nintendo fanboy because I play my N64 more than I ever did my PS2? Oh, but I guess I'm an ex-PSP fanboy because I owned one of those right? You know what? I'm a Philips fanboy, too, because I have a Philips hand-held CD-player and a Philips surround sound system. Maybe I'm a Gateway fanboy because I have a Gateway monitor. I'm also a Logitech fanboy because I own a 10 dollar PC microphone and the G5- lets not forget my Saitek Eclipse keyboard; must be a Saitek fanboy as well. Maybe I'm a Jeep fanboy, too?
You make no sense- just because I own 3 Microsoft products (XP) does NOT mean I'm a fanboy. I don't sit here with an unjustified bias, and I ONLY tell the truth about either console. I'm NOT a fanboy, and I'm OPEN to what other people prefer, but I do NOT accept it when others post utter nonsense, ok, buddy?
Your RRoDs HAVE to lie somewhere else. There is absolutely NO WAY you have had 6 of them with no fault of your own. They don't just make random 360s die while others work perfectly fine. Sure the 360 runs hot, and isn't the best designed, but again, it is subject to the conditions just as any other electronic item, and if you don't give it what it requires ("breathing" room) then it will fail.
When calling someone a fanboy, be sure that the actually ARE a fanboy. Just because you don't agree with them doesn't make them one.
Go White Sox and Go other Team @ Apr 23rd 2008 12:14AM
Zeus,
So how do explain nearly all videogame bloggers having the RROD?
Zeus.:God @ Apr 23rd 2008 12:22AM
Like I said, the 360 isn't the most reliable console. However, getting the RRoD 6 times? Thats a bit too ridiculous for it to be solely defect.
I would like to know how you say "nearly all", considering its not "nearly all" at all. The failure rate all together is below 20%- 4/5ths of all 360s are fine. I guess the 360 hates bloggers that it happens to "nearly all" of them?
el serpiente @ Apr 23rd 2008 1:23AM
Zeus, you are in a sad state of denial.
'McPoop, then I would recommend taking care of your console.'
Right there is where you lose any credibility. MS itself admitted it was a 'hardware issue'. No system should break through normal usage. End of story. Done.
But keep fighting the good fight, Zeus, rock those green tinted glasses and keep spreading lies and blaming the victim for what is clearly the fault of microsoft.
Zeus.:God @ Apr 23rd 2008 2:14AM
El Serpiente, you have never had ANY credibility, ok? McPoop, if you want to claim anyone is a fanboy, its this guy right here.
I love how you refuse to use any reason whatsoever and continue to try and twist my words. I never said the 360 was devoid of any problems and that it wasn't Microsoft's fault whatsoever- I've said that it has it's problems, but if you think about it (hard for you to do, I know) the chances of getting 6 RRoD'd consoles based solely on defect is slim to none. There HAD to be some other factor involved. Had it been 1, 2, or Hell, even 3 RRoDs, then sure, thats within reason, but for owning only one 360, and having 6 is ridiculous and is certainly out of the ordinary.
Again, I agree that the 360's reliability is pretty much nothing compared to the PS3, but the numbers just don't match up, especially when you think about it from a TECHNICAL standpoint, there is no way 6 systems are going to RRoD (generally from over heating) out of the blue. Its not just going to happen 6 times for no reason whatsoever.
I don't know of any other way to say it... This site is pretty much being run down by fanboys, like you,
You keep suckin' on Sony's cock, queer; unlike you, spreading lies is not my forté.
Zeus.:God @ Apr 23rd 2008 2:15AM
El Serpiente, you have never had ANY credibility, ok? McPoop, if you want to claim anyone is a fanboy, its this guy right here.
I love how you refuse to use any reason whatsoever and continue to try and twist my words. I never said the 360 was devoid of any problems and that it wasn't Microsoft's fault whatsoever- I've said that it has it's problems, but if you think about it (hard for you to do, I know) the chances of getting 6 RRoD'd consoles based solely on defect is slim to none. There HAD to be some other factor involved. Had it been 1, 2, or Hell, even 3 RRoDs, then sure, thats within reason, but for owning only one 360, and having 6 is ridiculous and is certainly out of the ordinary.
Again, I agree that the 360's reliability is pretty much nothing compared to the PS3, but the numbers just don't match up, especially when you think about it from a TECHNICAL standpoint, there is no way 6 systems are going to RRoD (generally from over heating) out of the blue. Its not just going to happen 6 times for no reason whatsoever.
I don't know of any other way to say it... This site is pretty much being run down by fanboys, so just keep suckin' on Sony's cock, queer; unlike you, spreading lies is not my forté.
Zeus.:God @ Apr 23rd 2008 2:17AM
I really hate how close that "Add Your Comments" button is to the text box.