Grand Theft Auto IV Special Edition spotted in the wild

by Ross Miller { Apr 23rd 2008 at 2:00AM }

A forum poster at GTAForums that goes by the name oPg^ has uploaded a seven pictures of what looks like the Grand Theft Auto IV Special Edition box, opened to reveal the metal tin and subsequently the game itself (it's the PS3 version). The setting is a nondescript factory or retail backroom, where you can also see shots of Mario Kart Wii being poised for Sunday's release.

We hope their hands aren't easily identifiable, as Rockstar will probably want to crack some skulls with a baseball bat in a faux-urban environment after partaking in a health-boosting car ride with a prostitute over all this.

Tags: grand-theft-auto, grand-theft-auto-iv, gtaiv, retail, rockstar, special-edition

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Miles @ Apr 23rd 2008 2:08AM

If I had to guess, I'd say its the backroom of an EB or Gamestop, because when I worked there, we'd have to waste time 'gutting' special editions. As though people who were big enough GTA fans wouldn't know what the hell a GTA Special Edition was all about. I hated all the management who didn't work in stores.

Otsego_Undead @ Apr 23rd 2008 2:16AM

Rockstar could get mad, but seriously, it just heightens the anticipation. Good free marketing.

Bretters @ Apr 23rd 2008 2:29AM

It's a game store in Australia

I don't see a problem with them being posted, we've already seen what everything except that cardboard sleeve was going to look like.

Zeus.:God @ Apr 23rd 2008 2:33AM

I considered pre-ordering the Special Edition a few nights ago... But whats the point? I've learned from all the other ones- there is none.

Bellerophon @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:03AM

I agree. I don't think there's really a point either.

But I am sucker for this kind of LE stuff =(

MarkHawk @ Apr 23rd 2008 7:03AM

Once and a while it's worth it. I love seeing how a game is made. I'm a sucker for making's of and concept art break downs of visual effects shots. Every now and then a Video Game Special Edition gets it right.

For Example:
Mass Effect: Special Edition.
Art book, Making of Documentary's (4 really good ones) about the company, staff...700 Images each with its own commentary. And it was limited. Hard to come by.

That's a good Special/Limited to base your comapnys off of. It had everything I wanted and no lame "Free toy" (Note I do love toys but... Im not buying limited for toys)

For Bad Example:

Halo 3 Limited Helmet ... not so limited first off. Didn't offer much more then the Special edition. (Though I will say for 10 Dollars you got some good documentary footage and calibration help + more)

Will GTA get it right? IDK ... is there documentary that will show me how they put all this time and research into making the game? Will I understand what the company and staff had to sacrifice? Maybe but if all it is a Tin and a 12 page art book *(note books are normally bigger or at least thicker...) I'd consider it nothing more then run of the mill special. Which isn't so special.

(!Achievement Unlocked!)
25G Put Your Heart Into It
Write a 25 word rant or more about something you care about that no one else does.

Rususeruru @ Apr 23rd 2008 8:33AM

(!Achievement Unlocked!)
25G Put Your Heart Into It
Write a 25 word rant or more about something you care about that no one else does.
2.5 hearts

... you sir just got up voted.

lysernix @ Apr 23rd 2008 10:27AM

I did have the special edition pre-ordered from Amazon... now that I've seen this I think I may have to cancel.

Reasons:
No special game cover, its the normal game. Boo.
Music CD is in a cardboard sleeve??? (instead of a nice looking jewl case I saw in concept art).

I'm really underwhelmed... and now only out $60 instead of $90.

rv @ Apr 23rd 2008 11:31AM

That could just be the Australian edition...

Zeus.:God @ Apr 23rd 2008 4:04PM

Limited Edition Doom 3 for the original Xbox was my favorite "special edition". Didn't come with anything particularly special, but I'm an absolute sucker for anything id Software produces, and the design on the tin case was an orgasm for my eyes while pondering the days of old, playing Doom... OMG! I'mma go play it now.

PSN: KillaKornbread (the shirt is a lie!) @ Apr 23rd 2008 2:49AM

well this time next week ill be playing that bad boy. i could care less what it comes in, i just want the juicy innards. April 29th can't get here soon enough.

Matt Cooper @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:20AM

I can personally garentee these photos are from an EB Games store in Australia.. You can tell by the 2 for $50 Stickers in the background. The store room shelfs and the bags that he is trying to blur out.. I have worked for eb australia and can garentee these photos are from one... If you zoom into the con note sticker you can tell which store

NES FANBOY (Yes my console is better than yours) @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:12AM

Shit! I can't wait DAMN YOU PS3!!
I should be playing this game by now >:c(

Matt Cooper @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:20AM

Confirming the post code that is on the stock box........the store is
Carousel

Shop 1055 Carousel Westfield Shopping Town
1382 Albany Hwy
(08) 9358 4644

Xlnt @ Apr 23rd 2008 5:08AM

Shit just got real.

MarkHawk @ Apr 23rd 2008 7:08AM

(Slow Dramatic 360 camera spins around you...)

JJ Rooster @ Apr 23rd 2008 8:43AM

(dramatic gopher) DUN DUN DUHHH!

SamuraiD @ Apr 23rd 2008 5:38AM

It's usual protocol that retailers get their new releases a week or so earlier than the release date.

MarkHawk @ Apr 23rd 2008 7:09AM

Especially if they hope for Mid Night releases.

SamuraiD @ Apr 23rd 2008 7:12AM

@MarkHawk

Exactly. My point was, though, that why is Joystiq publishing this sort of blog post? It's like saying, the sky is blue folks. The sky is blue. Bits of blue sky spotted in the wild, folks. Bits of sky in the wild.

RabbidMickeyMouse @ Apr 23rd 2008 5:29AM

I don't know the relation Joystiq may share with Kotaku, but I find it funny both sites refer to seeing this 'in the wild'.

EMaster @ Apr 23rd 2008 6:03AM

I can't believe it's been over a year since I f'n pre-ordered/paid for that thing! On the other hand that Safety deposit box is going to be the new home for my weed.

baby sea tuna @ Apr 23rd 2008 8:31AM

So when this game causes me to go crazy and home-invade you, I'll know what to go straight for! Thanks!

FOXHOUND @ Apr 23rd 2008 7:08AM

A good gaming week ahead... 'KART and then GTAIV. Can't wait.

James Lockwood @ Apr 23rd 2008 7:45AM

Anybody know the soundtrack yet?

Fingers crossed you can use your own (though I heard something about custom soundtracks not being confirmed).

Can't wait to blow stuff up to Lux Aeterna/Ace Combat 6 theme tune/Blondie.

(also, Pennywise, Aesop Rock and Serius J-one-s (tha only great one left, you know?))

JJ Rooster @ Apr 23rd 2008 8:46AM

Aren't custom soundtracks a mandated feature for all 360 games? GTA radio stations are usually kickass anyway, but some added tunes would be great.

T H @ Apr 23rd 2008 10:01AM

I just did a track w/Immortal Technique & Green Lantern that will be on the CD, but not in-game.

paragraph @ Apr 23rd 2008 7:50AM

I for one welcome the overly expensive evil limited edition overlords.

I really just needed the duffel bag and cash box, totally worth it given the quality that went into that cash box (i really didn't expect a handle ;)).

Would you like to pre-order anything today?

@OP's Pics

Would you like to trade that in?

CodeBLU @ Apr 23rd 2008 8:09AM

The Pal Multi5 version just leaked online too. So I guess they are just now getting sent out.

nerrrrrrd @ Apr 23rd 2008 8:20AM

I must now avoid the internet for a week to avoid spoilers from those 1337 hax0rz who download games. Watch out everyone.

zombienutz @ Apr 23rd 2008 8:56AM

I can't wait to get my game a keep it sage in the lock box and lose the keys somewhere. Wait. Strike the last part. Seriously though, it looks cool and I am glad I got the collector's edition.

T H @ Apr 23rd 2008 10:00AM

They've had this on display for the last 2 months @ Best Buy in NYC on Broadway between Houston & Bleecker.. Rockstar just *happens* to be right next door...

Burritoclock @ Apr 23rd 2008 10:02AM

There is a good post on Destructoid about special edition crack and us poor souls that can't stop our selves from buying them...

I even bought the Prey and Lost planet special editions.... an I have no idea why.

But to make it even stranger I didn't buy the Gears one...

I am also pissed that I went ahead and got a PS3 last week, because I wanted to wait for the metal gear one, AND I DON'T EVEN LIKE METAL GEAR!?!?!?

Illyr @ Apr 23rd 2008 12:12PM

Sweet lord this game is making me shake with anticipation...Or is it the crack?

kreegee @ Apr 23rd 2008 7:18PM

It's already all over teh torrents, so no wonder somebody got hold of the package...

Micheal82 @ Apr 23rd 2008 5:18PM

The guy at Gamestop around the corner from pulled out one of the copies from the back. To bad he couldn't sell it to me yet. The case has a nice weight to it, I mean it doesn't feel cheap. Have the game in my hands for a few brief seconds made me want the game even more now.

Waffle Slayer @ Apr 23rd 2008 8:16PM

Were you able to see the size of the duffel bag?

Waffle Slayer @ Apr 23rd 2008 8:14PM

I'm usually not into special editions but I got the SE for GTA because of the lockbox and duffel bag.

Everyday when I go to work I carry a book and/or magazine, psp, ds, phone and chargers. Usually in a plastic bag from a grocery store. I figure the lockbox would be nifty to store that shit in.

The duffel bag seems appropriate for putting my Xbox360 and accessories into when I go to a friend's house.

I like that the duffel bag isn't riddled with logos. I wish the Lockbox didn't have the big ass logo on it but I understand.

infonote @ Apr 26th 2008 3:00AM

I have submitted your article to http://www.autocar-live.com which is a social site where users can submit car/auto articles and vote for already submitted articles.