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'''Grand Theft Auto 4 is an EPIC FAIL on the PC. This page will continue to be HI-JACKED until Rockstar FIXES THE PC VERSION!!!!!!!'''
{{Infobox VG
| title = Grand Theft Auto IV
| image = [[Image:GTAIV Logo.jpg|256px]]
| caption = ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' box art
| resolution = 640p (PlayStation 3)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,145346-c,games/article.html| title=GTA IV on Sony PS3: Resolution, Online Issues Hamper Experience |publisher=[[PC World (magazine)|PC World]] | date=2008-04-30|accessdate=2008-05-07}}</ref><br />[[720p]] (Xbox 360)
| developer = [[Rockstar North]] <br/> [[Rockstar Toronto]] (PC)<ref name="gta4pchan-IGNUK"/>
| publisher = [[Rockstar Games]] <br /> {{vgrelease|JP=[[Capcom]]<ref name="japan">{{cite web| last = Tanaka| first = John| title = GTAIV Heads to Japan |publisher = [[IGN]] | date = 2008-04-22| url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/868/868751p1.html| accessdate = 2008-04-25}}</ref>}}
| distributor = [[Take-Two Interactive]] <small>(retail)</small><br />[[Steam (content delivery)|Steam]] <small>(online)</small><ref>{{cite web| title = Grand Theft Auto IV on Steam |publisher = [[Valve Corporation|Valve]] | date = 2008-11-19| url = http://store.steampowered.com/app/12210/| accessdate = 2008-11-21}}</ref>
| designer = Simon Lashley <br/> Keith McLeman<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0802999/fullcredits| title=Full Cast and Crew for GTA IV}}</ref>
| writers = [[Dan Houser]]<br>[[Sam Houser]]
| series = ''[[Grand Theft Auto (series)|Grand Theft Auto]]''
| engine = [[Rockstar Advanced Game Engine|RAGE]] <br /> [[Euphoria (software)|Euphoria]] (Motion Engine)<ref name="RAGE Euphoria" />
|version = 1.04 (PlayStation 3)<br>1.01 (Xbox 360)
| released =
'''PlayStation 3, Xbox 360'''<br />
29 April 2008 <br />
'''Microsoft Windows'''<br />
<!-- http://www.rockstargames.com/uploads/11072008/midnightclubgtaivblast/images/top_gtaiv.gif -->
<!-- http://rockstargames.com/IV/#?page=information -->
<!-- Developed by Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto IV is available worldwide for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and will be arriving on the PC December 2nd and 3rd for North America and Europe respectively. -->
{{vgrelease|NA=2 December 2008<ref name="gta4pcrdsysre-ign">{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/925/925515p1.html|title=GTA IV PC Delayed to December|last=Thang|first=Jimmy |date=2008-10-30|publisher=[[IGN]]|accessdate=2008-10-30}}</ref>}}
{{vgrelease|EU=3 December 2008<ref name="gta4pchandson-eurog">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=289533&page=3|title=Grand Theft Auto IV Hands-on|last=Bramwell|first=Tom |date=November 10, 2008|publisher=[[EuroGamer]]|language=English|accessdate=2008-11-10}}</ref>}}
| genre = [[Sandbox (videogames)|Sandbox]], [[third-person shooter]], [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
| ratings = {{vgratings|BBFC=18<ref>{{cite web| title = GRAND THEFT AUTO IV| work = BBFC| publisher = | date = 2008-04-01| url = http://www.bbfc.co.uk/website/Classified.nsf/0/95CD81B1994B33258025741E004C8438?OpenDocument| accessdate =2008-04-04 }}</ref><ref name="EGBBFC">{{cite web| title = BBFC removes GTA IV info from site | publisher = [[Eurogamer]]| date = 2008-03-31| url = http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=129691| accessdate = 2008-04-01 }}</ref> |ESRB=M |OFLCA=MA15+<ref name="OFLC_rating">{{cite web | title =GRAND THEFT AUTO IV Game (Multi Platform)| date =2007-12-13| url =http://www.classification.gov.au/special.html?n=46&p=156&sTitle=grand+theft+auto&sMediaFilm=1&sMediaPublications=1&sMediaGames1&sDateFromM=1&sDateFromY=2006&sDateToM=12&sDateToY=2007&record=224873|accessdate =2007-12-13 }}</ref> |OFLCZ=R18<ref name="NZ rating">{{cite web|title=Decisions Database Summary - Grand Theft Auto IV|work = OFLC (NZ)|date = 2008-02-27|url=http://www.censorship.govt.nz/oflcdd/DocProps.asp?PubNum=800191|accessdate=2008-04-15}}</ref> |PEGI=18+ <ref name = "PEGI_rating">[http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/g/grandtheftautoiv/ Xbox.com | Official Xbox 360 UK | Grand Theft Auto IV<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>}}
| platforms = [[PlayStation 3]] </br> [[Xbox 360]] </br> [[Microsoft Windows]]<ref name="PCRelease-Take2"/>
| media = [[Blu-ray Disc]], [[DVD DL]] (X360), 2 DVD DL (PC), download
| requirements = [[#Windows_version|See ''Development'' section for requirements matrix]]
| input = Xbox [[Gamepad]]; [[Keyboard (computing)|keyboard]] and [[Mouse (computing)|mouse]]
}}
<!-- NOTE TO EDITORS: Before editing, please note that the article is written in British English, not American English. The first version of this article was written in the former and has been adapted in current and future versions. If you have any questions, please go to the talk page.-->
'''''Grand Theft Auto IV''''' is a [[Nonlinear gameplay|sandbox-style]] [[action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[video game]] developed by [[Rockstar North]].<ref>"''Grand Theft Auto IV'': ''GamePro'' is the first to play the biggest game of 2008," ''GamePro'' 235 (April 2008): 50-51. </ref> It is the ninth title in the [[Grand Theft Auto (series)|''Grand Theft Auto'' series]] and the first in its fourth generation. The game was preceded by ''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]''. ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' was released for both [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]] in Australia, Europe and North America on 29 April 2008,<ref name="ReleaseDate">{{cite web| title = Rockstar Games Announces Release Date for Grand Theft Auto IV| date = 2008-01-24| url = http://ir.take2games.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=289342| accessdate =2008-01-24 }}</ref> and in Japan on 30 October 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5037364/gtaiv-dated-for-japan|title=GTAIV Dated for Japan|last=Ashcraft|first=Brian |date=2008-08-15|publisher=[[Kotaku]]|accessdate=2008-11-07}}</ref> A [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] version of the game was released in North America on 2 December 2008 and in Europe on the 3 December.<ref name="PCRelease-Take2">{{cite press release|url=http://ir.take2games.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=326627|title=Rockstar Games Announces Grand Theft Auto IV for the PC|publisher=Rockstar Games|date=2008-08-06|accessdate=2008-08-06}}</ref><ref name="gta4pcrdsysre-ign">{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/925/925515p1.html|title=GTA IV PC Delayed to December|last=Thang|first=Jimmy |date=2008-10-30|publisher=[[IGN]]|accessdate=2008-10-30}}</ref><ref name="gta4pchandson-eurog">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=289533&page=3|title=Grand Theft Auto IV Hands-on|last=Bramwell|first=Tom |date=November 10, 2008|publisher=[[EuroGamer]]|language=English|accessdate=2008-11-10}}</ref> Two [[Episodic games|episodic packs]] are being developed exclusively for the Xbox 360, the first of which is entitled ''[[#Downloadable content|The Lost and Damned]]'' and scheduled to be released on 17 February 2009.<ref name="zelnick-ep-delay">{{cite web |url = http://gamespot.com/pc/action/grandtheftauto4/news.html?sid=6201044 |title = Chinatown Wars gets temporary cease-fire |accessdate = 2008-11-15 |author = Sinclair, Brendan |date = 2008-11-13 |publisher = [[GameSpot]] }}</ref><ref name="gta4dlc"/>


The game is set in a redesigned rendition of [[Liberty City (Grand Theft Auto)|Liberty City]], a fictional city based heavily on modern day New York City. It follows [[Niko Bellic]], a war veteran from [[Eastern Europe]]<!--Please do NOT change this to Serbian or Bosnian or any specific ethnicity without discussion on the talk page!-->,<ref name="egmmarch">{{cite journal | author = Crispin Boyer | year = 2008 | month = March | title = Sweet Land of Liberty | journal = Electronic Gaming Monthly | pages = 44–56 | accessdate = 2008-11-08 | quote = He's from that gray part of broken-down Eastern Europe, a war-torn area -[[Sam Houser]] }}</ref> who comes to the United States in search of the [[American Dream]],<ref name="Origin">{{cite web| title = 'Grand Theft Auto IV' will blow you away| date = 2008-04-28| url = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24356918/| accessdate =2008-04-30 }}</ref> but quickly becomes entangled in a seedy underworld of gangs, crime, and corruption. Like other games in the series, ''GTA IV'' is composed of elements from [[driving game]]s and [[third-person shooter]]s, and features "open-world" gameplay that gives players more control over their playing experience. ''GTA IV'' is the first console game in the series to feature an online [[multiplayer]] mode, which contains [[Grand Theft Auto IV#Multiplayer|fifteen different game types]].


A major commercial and critical success, ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' broke industry records with sales of around 3.6 million units on its first day of release and grossing more than $500 million in revenue in the first week, from an estimated 6 million units sold worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/05/07/take_twos_grand_theft_auto_iv_tops_500m_in_1st_week_sales/ |title = Take-Two's 'Grand Theft Auto IV' tops $500M in week 1 sales |accessdate = 2008-05-08 |author = Ortutay, Barbara |date = 2008-05-08 |publisher = [[Associated Press]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586971/20080507/id_0.jhtml |title='Grand Theft Auto IV' Posts Record First-Week Sales |accessdate=2008-05-08 |author=Stephen Totilo |date=2008-05-07 |publisher=[[MTV News]]}}</ref> As of 16 August 2008, the game has sold over 10 million copies.<ref name="salesfigure"/> ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' received overwhelmingly positive reviews, becoming one of the highest-rated games of all-time on the aggregated review websites [[MobyGames]] and [[TopTenReviews]].<ref name="MG All Time Best"/><ref name="TTR">{{cite web|url=http://games.toptenreviews.com/reviews/g11830.htm|title=Grand Theft Auto IV Review (X360) - TTR|publisher=TopTenReviews|accessdate=2008-10-25}}</ref>


REBEL ALL!
==Gameplay==
''Grand Theft Auto IV'' is structured similarly to previous games in the series. The core gameplay consists of elements of a third-person shooter and a driving game, affording the player a large, open environment in which to move around. On foot, the player's character is capable of walking, running, swimming, climbing and jumping, as well as utilising weapons and basic hand-to-hand combat. Players can steal and drive a variety of vehicles, including automobiles, boats, helicopters, and motorcycles. ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' takes advantage of Natural Motion's ''[[Euphoria (software)|Euphoria]]'' engine, which combines artificial intelligence, bio mechanics and physics to make [[Non-player character|NPC]] behaviour and movement adaptive and more realistic.

The open, non-linear environment allows players to explore and choose how they wish to play the game. Although storyline missions are necessary to progress through the game and unlock certain parts of the map and content, they are not required, as players can complete them at their own leisure. When not taking on a storyline mission, players can free-roam. However, creating havoc can attract unwanted and potentially fatal attention from the authorities.

It is possible to have multiple active missions, due to the fact that some missions will run over the course of several days and will require the player to wait for further instructions, etc. The player can also partake in a variety of optional side missions.<ref name="gtaiv" /> For the first time in the series, ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' features "[[morality]] choices" at several points throughout the game, in which the player is forced to choose between killing a character or sparing their life or killing one of two characters. The game has two different endings, which are determined by deciding which of the two missions to complete.The player can choose between a revenge mission or a deal mission each leads to a different ending.

===Combat and police response===
[[Image:GTAIV in-game screenshot.png|thumb|right|Combat in ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' has been reworked to include a cover system.]]
The gunfight system has been reworked to a better [[Third-person shooter|third-person]] scheme.<ref> Marbles, Mr. "Wanted" in Gamepro Magazine p. 52 (October 2007)</ref> The player can slide to cover, [[blindfire]], and free aim. When locked on, the target's health is indicated by eight segments inside the target circle (which is white), these segments can be green (if the target is a civilian/non-attacking or non-aggressive target) or red (authorities/hostile targets or assassination targets), additionally, if the target's wearing [[body armor]] there will be an additional, but smaller 6 segment circle inside the health circle representing the armour the target has, also, Niko can perform "cinematic executions", this is only possible when the target circle turns red and starts to blink, it can only be performed with a [[pistol]] and only to certain characters or in certain situations. Players can now target individual body parts using a revamped targeting system.<ref name="IGNprev">{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/855/855555p2.html|title=IGN: Grand Theft Auto IV hands-on preview|author=[[Greg Miller|Miller, Greg]]; Goldstein, Hilary|date=2008-03-01|publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Niko's health is represented by a green semi-circle on the left side of the mini-map, while a blue semi-circle on the right represents armour. If Niko gets injured, he can recover health by using the services of a [[prostitute]], eating, drinking soda, sleeping, using medical kits or using his mobile phone to call for paramedics, also, one of the many girlfriends in the game has the special ability of healing Niko by calling her with the mobile phone (although she only provides first aid tips and/or flirts with Niko to achieve this). Health is generally reduced by physical injuries such as falling from heights, getting hit by vehicles when walking, going through the windscreen of a vehicle when crashing, and of course, gunfire or explosions if not equipped with body armor. Body armor is gradually damaged by gunshots, explosions and stab wounds.<ref>{{cite web | last = Robinson | first = Martin |title = Grand Theft Auto IV UK Hands-On | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = 2008-02-28 | url = http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/855/855605p3.html | accessdate =2008-03-04 }}</ref> When Niko's health level reaches zero he respawns at the nearest hospital, but loses 10 percent of his total wealth (up to a maximum of $10,000). Niko is able to retain his weapons after re-spawning at a hospital, unlike previous ''GTA'' games (besides ''[[Vice City Stories]]'' and ''San Andreas''), where this ability and the possibility to retain them after being arrested had to be unlocked. However, weapons are still confiscated if he is arrested and taken to a police station.

[[Fugitive|Wanted]] levels operate differently from previous ''GTA'' games. When the police are in pursuit of Niko, a search radius appears on the map in which the police will be looking for him. The size of this radius increases with the player's wanted level and re-centres itself on Niko's location if he is spotted by the police. The player can evade the police by escaping the search radius and temporarily keeping a low profile by not committing further offences. The wanted levels can be lost by Niko either driving into a "Pay 'N' Spray" as in previous games or by disguising himself by clandestinely changing vehicles in empty areas such as parking garages. However, entering a "Pay 'N' Spray" will no longer remove the wanted levels if the police notice Niko entering the garage. The player has the option to attempt escaping arrest before he is [[handcuffs|handcuffed]], at the cost of increasing his wanted level by one star.<ref name="IGNprev" /> Additionally, pedestrians with cellphones can report crimes they witness in the surrounding environment.<ref name="GamesTM">GamesTM, July 2007, p34</ref><ref name="cundy">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/f/how-gta-iv-will-reshape-the-series/a-20070726111341909083/g-2006051014323586065 |title=Six things in the demo that will change GTA forever|accessdate=2007-07-26|author=Cundy, Matt|last=Cundy|first=Matt|date=2007-07-26|publisher=GamesRadar}}</ref>

The type of police response also differs slightly from previous ''GTA'' games; however, creating more chaos still leads to a stronger response. "Minor" crimes, such as assault, public discharge of a firearm, grand theft auto and homicide, continue to be handled by police patrols. Higher wanted levels still activate police [[police aircraft|helicopter]] and [[water police|water craft]] support teams and [[FBI]]-like agents, known as <!-- F*I*B is NOT a typo! It's actually called FIB in the game! -->FIB<!-- NOT A TYPO! --> (Federal Investigation Bureau) in ''GTA IV''. However, police [[SWAT]] and the military no longer appear at higher wanted levels, as seen in previous renditions of [[Grand Theft Auto (series)|the series]]. Instead, they have been replaced with an elite [[counter-terrorism]] team known as N.O.O.S.E. (National Office Of Security Enforcement), an amalgamation of SWAT and the [[Department of Homeland Security]].

===Vehicles===
Stealing a parked car will now show Niko breaking the glass (if it is locked) by either kicking out the window, smashing it with his elbow or gun and then [[hotwiring]] it, as opposed to previous games where the player simply entered the driver's seat or cannot enter if it's locked. A new feature in ''GTA IV'' allows the player to focus the camera on the target during chases, enabled by holding the cinematic camera button. Every vehicle in the game utilizes the in-game [[minimap]] as a [[Automotive navigation system|GPS device]]. Another new feature includes voice directions when a destination is selected on the map; although this feature is only available in the expensive cars (but can be turned on for all cars in the options menu). "Waypoints" can be placed on destinations on the map, leaving a green trail on the map between Niko and the destination. However, the biggest addition of the GTA series is the new ability to hail a [[taxi cab]], which allows the player to travel to destinations without having to manually drive. Travel in a taxi cab also allows Niko to instantly reach a destination, if the player chooses to skip the actual journey. The player is no longer able to pilot [[fixed-wing aircraft]], as was possible in previous ''GTA'' games, but can still pilot helicopters, including the police "Annihilator", which has mounted machine guns.<ref>{{cite|title=GTA 4 US Exclusive|author=Game Informer|publisher=Game Informer|month=May | year=2007}}</ref>

Car damage physics are more detailed in ''GTA IV'' than in its predecessors. When major collisions on motorbikes occur, the
player will most likely fly off, depending on the speed, angle, and balance of the bike. Niko can fly in many different directions, resulting in a realistic crashing experience. The physics engine will turn the player into a [[ragdoll physics|rag doll]] after a bike crash, instead of using a predefined animation, resulting in more realistic collisions. Niko can lose [[Hit Points|health]] or die if he crashes or smashes through the [[windscreen]] of cars when colliding with objects at high speed. Vehicles will not explode if they are flipped over, or shot in any place other than the [[engine block]] or [[fuel tank]], however they may catch fire and eventually explode if the engine is repeatedly damaged via collisions (or to crash the car with such a force that it would destroy the engine completely, i.e: to have an undamaged car and crash the front part of the car with an edge or with a truck at high speeds, although it is considered a glitch because it happens in unexpected moments). Explosions can sometimes render nearby vehicles unusable, or cause them to catch fire. Car engines can also die, rendering them unable to start, but a glitch in the game can restart the engine if it has died off, Niko must draw his phone and dial any number, even a one-digit number, when he starts the call the car will start (provided the player is pressing the acceleration button while making the call), although if done many times with the same damaged car, the car will eventually catch fire even if the player manages not to crash it any more, this glitch is yet to be corrected.

With over 120 different vehicle types GTA IV again delivers a massive number of all accessible vehicles, many of them being completely redesigned. Common changes are adaptions to design to resemble modern vehicles, though some [http://www.gtaivgarage.com GTA IV vehicles] have been redesigned to appear as an older model. Some rare vehicles may be obtained only by completing missions, while other formerly hard to find vehicles are available in car shops. Also, some rare vehicles may only appear during the related mission. When driving or riding in a car, the player is able to smash the window, free-aim, and fire out of the vehicle with several different one-handed weapons, the player can even use the rear view camera and fire while in this camera, but the player has to be skilful to do it because of the combination of buttons needed to do it (accelerate, steer, rear-view and fire the weapon, all at once). The player may also drop [[grenade]]s or [[Molotov cocktail]]s.<ref>PSM3 Magazine - Issue #98 (February 2008)</ref> In certain areas of [[Liberty City (Grand Theft Auto)|Liberty City]], Niko can stop along side a prostitute, honk his car horn and let her in (this can only work if the player is in a car, it will not work on motorcycles or helicopters). This then enables him to engage in three different sexual activities with the prostitute at different costs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/news.phtml/13777/14801/BBFC-warning-over-GTA-IV.phtml|title=Prostitutes and masturbation in GTA IV|work=Pocket-lint|accessdate=2008-05-06}}</ref>

===Communication===
The use of the [[mobile phone]] has been expanded to perform multiple actions. When selecting the mobile phone, a zoomed-in version of the phone pops up in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. The phone allows the player to view [[text messages]] and appointments, as well as arrange to meet friends for a variety of activities. Retrying a failed mission can be performed by accessing the menu. The player can take photos with the mobile phone and upload them to the police computer during certain missions. Niko can dial [[9-1-1|911]] to call the police for them to arrest an attacker, or just to waste their time on a false alarm. He can also contact the [[paramedics]] and the fire station.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=125248|title=Grand Theft Auto IV and Gran Turismo 5 Look To Redefine Virtual Racing - and Felonies|last=Tassi|first=Paul |date=2008-03-19 |publisher=Edmunds Insideline|accessdate=2008-10-13}}</ref> Paramedics, upon arrival, can heal Niko to full health if he so chooses. The cost is the same as if he were to lose all health and be healed at a hospital. Also, the phone allows access to the game's multiplayer.

The game also features several different in-game databases that Niko can make use of. An in-game version of the Internet can be used by accessing the [[Internet café]] chain, "TW@", located throughout the city. There are over 100 accessible fictitious websites within the game, and Niko can also send and receive email (complete with random spam mail) and set up prospective dates. Although the Internet café was seen in ''Grand Theft Auto III'', it did not give the player the option to browse the internet.<ref>{{cite web|date=2008-01-30|url= http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1070140|title='Grand Theft Auto IV' Preview: Rockstar Games' latest adds drunk driving, strip clubs| accessdate=2008-01-30}}</ref> In a police vehicle, Niko can use an [[in-car computer]] to access Liberty City's criminal database, discover information about various criminals in Liberty City and even track them down for a reward.<ref>{{cite web| last = Roper| first = Chris| title = Grand Theft Auto IV Update| publisher = IGN| date = 2008-01-23| url = http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/847/847029p1.html| accessdate =2008-02-23 }}</ref> The game also features in-game television programming, with several viewable channels featuring programs and advertisements. The television shows cover a wide variety of genres, including news, comedy, talk shows, and sports. There is also a parody of [[Ric Burns]]' ''[[New York: A Documentary Film]]'' running continuously on one of the game's television stations, detailing the history of Liberty City in the same grandiose style as Burns' eight-part documentary.

===Multiplayer===
''Grand Theft Auto IV'' also includes online multiplayer, with 15 modes of play available.<ref name="gta4multi-grad">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/grand-theft-auto-iv/preview/grand-theft-auto-iv-multiplayer-hands-on/a-200804085550713049/g-2006051014323586065|title=Grand Theft Auto IV - Multiplayer Hands-On |last=Reparaz|first=Mikel |date=2008-04-08|publisher[[GamesRadar]]|pages=6|accessdate=2008-09-25}}</ref> The multiplayer supports up to 16 players and allows players to explore the entire city.<ref>{{Citation|title= Coverage of the PlayStation Holiday Preview Event|year=2007|date=2007-10-12 |url=http://www.gamingexcellence.com/ps3/news/1636.shtml}}</ref> Players use a customisable character in a majority of the modes, and cash earned during play translates to a level at which more clothing is available for their character, depending on the level. Hosts of the games can control many variables, such as time of day, police presence, pedestrian presence, traffic, location of game, and weapons. The online games are split into ranked and unranked matches. The reward for the ranked gameplay is cash, which determines players' ranks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Multiplayer Hands-On (PS3, Xbox 360) |publisher=[[GameTap]] |date=2008-04-08 |accessdate=2008-05-15 |url=http://psp3d.com/games/15078-grand-theft-auto-iv-multiplayer-hands-playstation-3-xbox-360-gametap.html}}</ref> The game does not feature any [[split screen (computer graphics)|split screen]] or [[LAN]] multiplayer modes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2008/04/22/%E2%80%98grand-theft-auto-iv%E2%80%99-does-not-have-lan-or-single-screen-multiplayer-either-public-service-announcement-2/|title='Grand Theft Auto IV' Does Not Have LAN Or Single-Screen Multiplayer Either (Public Service Announcement #2)|last=Totilo |first=Stephen |date=2008-04-22|publisher=MTV Multiplayer|accessdate=2008-10-13}}</ref>

There are several different game modes available. Team based gameplay modes include<ref name="gtaiv" /> Team Deathmatch, where 2-8 teams compete to accumulate the most kills in a traditional [[deathmatch (gaming)|deathmatch]]; Team Mafiya Work, in which 2–8 teams compete to complete contract work for the "mafiya", such as escorting/killing targets or stealing cars; Team Car Jack City where 2–8 teams compete to steal cars and earn money for keeping them undamaged; Cops n' Crooks, featuring a team of cops who must compete against a team of crooks (which features the "All for One" variation - requiring the cops to kill the crooks' "Boss" before he is escorted to the extraction point - and the "One for All" variation - requiring the cops to kill all of the crooks before they reach the extraction point); and Turf War, involving two teams who compete to take control of designated areas of the map and control them for as long as possible.

The game also includes a variety of racing and [[Cooperative gameplay|cooperative]] modes, which include Race, in which players race through checkpoints in a traditional automobile race; a GTA Race variation, where players race through checkpoints in an automobile race, with the ability to combat their opponents; Hangman's N.O.O.S.E., a co-op mode that requires players to collect a person from the airport and safely escort him to the extraction point before the cops kill him; Deal Breaker, a co-op mission that requires players to assault a construction site captured by enemies, then chase a group of enemies before they escape; and Bomb da Base II, a co-op mission that requires players to clear out a ship, then destroy it with explosives. The game also features a Free Mode, in which players have the entire map open to explore, with no end goal or mission to complete.

The PC version supports 32 players in the game's various online multiplayer modes.<ref name="gta4pcinfo-beefjack" />

==Synopsis==
===Plot===

[[Image:GTAIV Niko and SoH.jpg|thumb|right|Niko and the Statue of Happiness on Happiness Island]]
[[Niko Bellic]] is an [[Eastern European]]<ref name="egmmarch"/> immigrant and a veteran of the [[Bosnian War]] who, after persuasion from his cousin [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto IV#Roman|Roman]], comes to Liberty City to pursue the [[American Dream]] and escape his criminal past. After his arrival, however, Niko quickly learns that Roman's tales of riches and luxury were lies, concealing Roman's struggles with debt and gangsters. Niko aids Roman in his troubles while hoping to carve out a new life for himself in the city.

It is later revealed that Niko came to Liberty City primarily to search for the person he blames for the betrayal of his old army unit: [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto IV#Bernie Crane|Florian Cravic]]. Niko soon creates ties with the Liberty City [[Russian Mafia|Bratva]] through Roman's loan shark [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto IV#Vladimir Glebov|Vladimir Glebov]] and later makes acquaintance with a major figure of the Bratva, [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto IV#Mikhail Faustin|Mikhail Faustin]] and his associate, [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto IV#Dimitri Rascalov|Dimitri Rascalov]]. Niko completes jobs for Faustin before joining Dimitri's plot to betray Faustin and take over the organization. Niko assassinates Faustin on Dimitri's orders and later meets with him to collect his reward for the killing. Dimitri, however, betrays Niko and reveals that he is in [[collusion]] with [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto IV#Rodislav_Bulgarin|Rodislav Bulgarin]], a former employer of Niko who orders his men to kill him. Little Jacob, a Jamaican arms dealer whom Niko befriended earlier, arrives on the scene and rescues Niko. Dimitri and Bulgarin escape, however, and Jacob suggests dealing with them later.

Niko receives a phone call from Roman, who is hiding in a remote location after having received several [[silent call]]s. The two meet up and they drive back to find both Roman's apartment and taxi depot in flames. The two escape to Bohan, after receiving death threats from Dimitri, and Roman reveals his plans to propose to his girlfriend Mallorie. Niko progressively obtains new allies in the city, gaining the money to provide for his and Roman's life while furthering his connections towards locating the person he is searching for. Niko eventually locates Florian, but discovers that he has changed his name to Bernie Crane, and ultimately Niko determines that Bernie is not the person responsible for his unit's betrayal leading him towards the only remaining suspect, [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto IV#Darko Brevic|Darko Brevic]].

Towards the conclusion of the storyline, a shadowy government agency (under the name of "[[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto IV#United Liberty Paper|U.L. Paper]]") that had forced Niko to help them in collusion with an aging mobster, [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto IV#Jon Gravelli|Jon Gravelli]], locates Darko in [[Bucharest]] and arrange to have him brought to Liberty City as a final reward. Niko confronts Darko, who has become a drug-addicted, guilt-ridden wreck. The player is then left with the option of either executing Darko or sparing his life. Afterwards, having dealt with his past, Niko relaxes at a bar when mob boss [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto IV#Jimmy Pegorino|Jimmy Pegorino]] shows up and asks him one final favour; to obtain a shipment of heroin for him that he can sell to a buyer: Dimitri Rascalov.<ref name="gtaiv" />

====Finale====
The story features two possible endings depending on the choice made by the player at this point in the game. The player can choose to have Niko exact revenge on Dimitri or make a deal with him.

If the player chooses to exact '''Revenge''', Niko ambushes Dimitri on his tanker while he is supervising a shipment. A gunfight ensues within the hull of the tanker and Niko kills Dimitri in cold blood. In the aftermath, Roman and Mallorie's wedding takes place and Jimmy Pegorino, furious after the betrayal, commits a drive-by outside the church killing Niko's love interest, [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto IV#Kate McCreary|Kate McReary]]. Niko, Roman and Little Jacob follow some of Pegorino's men, who lead them to an abandoned [[casino]] in Alderney. Niko attempts to kill Pegorino, but he escapes to Happiness Island via boat while Niko pursues him with a helicopter. Niko kills Pegorino, before lamenting on the supposed "American Dream" to Roman and Jacob.

If the player chooses to strike a '''Deal''', Niko meets [[List of characters in Grand Theft Auto IV#Phil Bell|Phil Bell]] at the docks to make the exchange. Dimitri sabotages his side of the deal but Niko and Phil eventually retrieve the drug money regardless. Kate, who was against making the deal, is furious with Niko and refuses to attend Roman and Mallorie's wedding. The wedding takes place and an assassin sent by Dimitri to kill Niko inadvertently shoots and kills Roman during a struggle. A devastated and vengeful Niko teams up with Little Jacob and they go to an abandoned casino in Alderney to kill Dimitri, who is now in partnership with Pegorino. Jacob then leaves to formulate an escape plan for Niko after he kills Dimitri. In the casino, Dimitri kills Pegorino and attempts to escape. Niko and Little Jacob follow him to Happiness Island, where Niko kills Dimitri. The story ends with a parting shot of the Statue of Happiness, with Niko lamenting on the "American Dream".<ref name="gtaiv">{{cite video game | title = Grand Theft Auto IV | developer = [[Rockstar North]] | publisher = [[Rockstar Games]] | date = 2008-04-29 }}</ref>

===Setting===
{{main|Liberty City (Grand Theft Auto)#Grand Theft Auto IV rendition}}
[[Image:Liberty City GTAIV.jpg|thumb|right|''GTA IV'''s rendition of Liberty City is more heavily based on New York City than in previous ''GTA'' games.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1955256/Grand-Theft-Auto-IV-Photos-reveal-similarities-between-Liberty-City-and-New-York-City.html |title = Grand Theft Auto IV: Photos reveal similarities between Liberty City and New York City |accessdate = 2008-11-12 |author = Moore, Matthew |date = 2008-05-14 |publisher = ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' }}</ref>]]
''Grand Theft Auto IV'' takes place in a redesigned version of [[Liberty City (Grand Theft Auto)|Liberty City]] consisting of four boroughs, based on four of the boroughs of New York City. ''Broker'' is the equivalent of [[Brooklyn]], [[Queens]] is ''Dukes'', [[The Bronx]] is ''Bohan'' and [[Manhattan]] is ''Algonquin''. Adjacent to the city is the independent state of ''Alderney'' based on [[New Jersey]] and named after a [[Alderney|Channel Island]]. A [[Staten Island]]-esque area is not featured in the game as the developers believed that gameplay in such an area would not be fun.<ref name="OPM UK June 2007" /> Initially the city's bridges are locked down due to a terrorist threat, but eventually the armed police blockades are lifted and the player is able to lead Niko across the [[Brooklyn Bridge|Broker]], [[Manhattan Bridge|Algonquin]], and [[High Bridge (New York City)|Northwood Heights]] bridges and explore the rest of the city.

Several real-life districts and landmarks exist within Liberty City, including "Hove Beach", based on [[Brighton Beach]] and named from [[Brighton and Hove]]; "Firefly Island", based on [[Coney Island]], featuring the "Screamer" roller coaster modelled on the [[Coney Island Cyclone]]; "Middle Park", a replica of [[Central Park]]; "Statue of Happiness" modeled on [[Statue of Liberty]], featuring a Styrofoam coffee cup in place of a torch; "Star Junction", a replica of [[Times Square]]; "BOABO" (Beneath the Offramp of the Algonquin Bridge Overpass) a parody of [[DUMBO, Brooklyn|DUMBO]]; the "Triangle Building", a replica of the [[Flatiron Building]]; the "GetaLife Building", a replica of [[MetLife Building]]; the "Booth Tunnel", modelled on the [[Lincoln Tunnel]] and named after [[Abraham Lincoln]]'s assassin, [[John Wilkes Booth]]; "BAWSAQ", a parody of [[NASDAQ]]; the "Rotterdam Tower", the in-game equivalent of the [[Empire State Building]] and the "Zirconium Building", Liberty City's equivalent of the [[Chrysler Building]].

===Characters===
{{Main|List of characters in Grand Theft Auto IV|List of gangs in the Grand Theft Auto series}}

[[Image:GTAIV Niko and Dimitri.jpg|thumb|right|Niko Bellic with Dimitri Rascalov at a seaside amusement park]]
The characters that appear in ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' are diverse and relative to the respective boroughs of Liberty City they are based in, belonging to various gangs and ethnic groups. The player controls [[Niko Bellic]], a veteran of the [[Bosnian War]] from Eastern Europe.<ref name="egmmarch"/> According to Dan Houser, virtually none of the [[Non-player character|characters]] from the previous games are returning, as "most of the characters we liked were dead,"<ref name="OPM UK June 2007" /> further evidenced by in-game graffiti bidding farewell to these characters.<ref name="gtaiv" />

Unlike previous games in the series, the voice actors of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' do not include notable and high-profile celebrities, instead opting for lesser known actors such as Michael Hollick, Jason Zumwalt, Moti Margolin, Thomas Lyons, [[Timothy Adams]] and [[Coolie Ranx]]. However, several high-profile DJs host the various radio stations within the game such as [[Karl Lagerfeld]], [[Iggy Pop]], [[Luther Campbell]], [[Daddy Yankee]], and [[Lazlow Jones]] comes back as a DJ once again. ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' actors [[Bill Hader]] and [[Jason Sudeikis]] appear on the liberal and conservative radio talk shows respectively. [[Katt Williams]] and [[Ricky Gervais]] also have their likenesses and comedy depicted in an in-game comedy club.<ref name="gtaiv" />

==Soundtrack==
{{Main|Grand Theft Auto IV soundtrack|The Music of Grand Theft Auto IV}}

Like previous games in the ''Grand Theft Auto'' series, ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' features a soundtrack that can be heard through radio stations while the player is in a vehicle. Liberty City is serviced by 18 radio stations, three of which are [[talk radio]] stations. The other stations feature music from a range of genres, spanning different decades and also taken from modern day music. Notable inclusions to the game's soundtrack include [[Smashing Pumpkins]], [[Thin Lizzy]], [[Seryoga]], [[Bob Marley]], [[Don Omar]], [[The Sisters of Mercy]], [[The Who]], [[Queen (band)|Queen]], [[Black Sabbath]], [[Fela Kuti]], [[Femi Kuti]], [[Philip Glass]], [[Justice (French band)|Justice]], [[Simian Mobile Disco]], [[Kanye West]], [[Busta Rhymes]], [[R. Kelly]], [[Lloyd (singer)|Lloyd]], [[Liquid Liquid]], [[John Coltrane]], [[Aphex Twin]], [[The Boggs]], [[Elton John]], [[ZZ Top]], [[R.E.M.]], [[Ne-Yo]], [[Nas]] and [[Barry White]]. The theme song (intro music) of Grand Theft Auto IV is "Soviet Connection" composed by [[Michael Hunter (composer)|Michael Hunter]], who also composed the theme for ''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]''.

The game uses a similar music system to that of ''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]''. In earlier games in the series, each radio station was essentially a single looped sound file, playing the same songs, announcements and advertisements in the same order each time. With the radio stations in ''Grand Theft Auto IV'', each sound file is held separately, and "mixed" randomly, allowing songs to be played in different orders, announcements to songs to be different each time, and plot events to be mentioned on the stations.<ref name="gtaiv" /> Certain songs are also edited to incorporate references to the fictional Liberty City.<ref name="musicman">{{cite web |url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586708/20080501/id_0.jhtml |title = 'Grand Theft Auto IV' Music Man Explains How Those 214 Songs Made The Soundtrack |accessdate = 2008-05-18 |author = Totilo, Stephen |date = 2008-05-02 |publisher = MTV News }}</ref>

Following a partnership between Rockstar Games and [[Amazon.com]], players will be able to purchase real world [[MP3]]s through ''GTA IV's'' in-game mobile phone.<ref>{{cite web|date=2008-04-10|url=http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/grand-theft-auto-iv/gta-iv-unveils-new-music-download-model/1199430|title=GTA IV Unveils New Music Download Model|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]|accessdate=2008-04-10}}</ref> Players are able to mark radio songs that they like by dialing ZIT-555-0100 on Niko's phone. They will then receive a text message providing the name of the song and the artist. If a player is registered on Rockstar's 'Social Club' website he or she will also receive a real world e-mail with a link to an Amazon.com playlist where all of the player's marked songs will be listed and available to purchase.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/grand-theft-auto-iv/gta-iv-unveils-new-music-download-model/1199430 |title=GTA IV Unveils New Music Download Model |publisher=Yahoo! Games |date=2008-03-27}}</ref>

==Development==

{{seealso|Marketing for Grand Theft Auto IV}}

[[Image:Mural ad GTA IV NYC.jpg|thumb|[[Mural]] ad for the game on a wall in New York City, July 2007]]
Work on ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' began in November 2004, almost immediately after the release of ''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]''.<ref name="OPM UK June 2007">{{cite journal | title = GTA Gets Real | journal = [[PlayStation Official Magazine (UK)]] | issue = 6 | pages = 54–67 | publisher = [[Future Publishing]] | location = United Kingdom |month=June | year=2007}}</ref> Around 150 game developers worked on ''Grand Theft Auto IV'',<ref>{{cite web|last=Rosmarin|first=Rachel| title=Take-Two Takes A Hit|publisher=[[Forbes.com]]|date=2006-11-12|url= http://www.forbes.com/technology/2006/12/11/games-gta-options-tech-enter-cx_rr_1211taketwo.html|accessdate =2007-09-24}}</ref> led by core members of the ''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]'' team.<ref name="fritz">{{cite web |url = http://weblogs.variety.com/the_cut_scene/2008/04/dan-housers-ver.html |title = Dan Houser's very extended interview about everything "Grand Theft Auto IV" and Rockstar |accessdate = 2008-04-28 |author = Fritz, Ben |date = 2008-04-19 |publisher = ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' }}</ref> The game uses Rockstar's own [[Rockstar Advanced Game Engine|RAGE]] game engine, which was previously used in ''[[Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis|Rockstar Table Tennis]]'', in combination with the [[Euphoria (software)|Euphoria]] game animation engine.<ref name="RAGE Euphoria">{{cite web| last = Boyer| first = Brandon| title = Product: Grand Theft Auto IV Using NaturalMotion's Euphoria |work = [[Gamasutra]]| publisher = CMP Game Group | date = 2007-06-29| url = http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=14526| accessdate = 2008-04-03}}</ref> Instead of pre-written animations, Euphoria uses [[procedural animation]] to control the way the player moves, enabling character movements to be more realistic.<ref name="euphoria">{{cite web|url=http://www.gta4.net/news/3897/grand-theft-auto-iv-trailer-2-launched/|title=Grand Theft Auto Trailer 2 Launched!|work=GTA4.net|date=28 June 2007}}</ref> The Euphoria engine also enables [[Non-player character|NPCs]] to react in a realistic way to the player's actions. In one preview, a player knocked an NPC out of a window and the character grabbed onto a ledge to stop himself from falling.<ref name="teamxbox">{{cite web|url=http://previews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1887/Grand-Theft-Auto-IV/p3/|title=Grand Theft Auto IV Hands-On Preview (Xbox 360) |author=Eddy, Andy |date=2008-02-28}}</ref> The game also uses middleware from [[Image Metrics]] to facilitate intricate facial expressions and ease the process of incorporating lip-synching.<ref name="makingof">{{cite web |url = http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9570&Itemid=51&pop=1 |title = The Making of Grand Theft Auto IV |accessdate = 2008-04-13 |date = 2008-03-17 |publisher = ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' }}</ref> Foliage in the game is produced through [[SpeedTree]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8246690|title=Trees in latest Grand Theft Auto game were "grown" in Lexington|last=Smith|first=Logan |coauthors=Taylor Kearns|date=2008-04-30|publisher=Wis News|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref>

''Grand Theft Auto IV'' sees a shift in the series to a more realistic and detailed style and tone,<ref name="OPM UK June 2007" /> partly a result of the transition to consoles which offered [[High-definition television|high-definition]] graphics and the new and improved capabilities of such consoles.<ref name="fritz" /> Rockstar co-founder [[Dan Houser]] said "what we're taking as our watchword on [''GTA IV''] is the idea of what high definition actually means. Not just in terms of graphics, which obviously we are achieving, but in terms of all aspects of the design. [...] You know, trying to make something more realistic, more held together, but still retaining the overall coherence that the other games had."<ref name="OPM UK June 2007" /> Art director Aaron Garbut said one of the reasons they decided to set the game in New York because "we all knew what an amazing, diverse, vibrant, cinematic city it is. [...] And since we were hoping to push the detail, variety and life, for lack of a better word, to such a degree it seemed that basing the game in a city so synonymous with these things was a great fit."<ref name="ign">{{cite web |url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/863/863028p1.html |title = GTA IV: Building a Brave New World |accessdate = 2008-04-28 |author = Goldstein, Hilary |date = 2008-03-28 |publisher = [[IGN]] }}</ref> Dan Houser added "because we were working in high definition and we knew we'd need a shitload of research, we wanted to be somewhere where we had a foothold."<ref name="fritz" /> The developers consciously avoided creating a block for block recreating of New York City, Dan Houser said "what we've always tried to do is make a thing that looks real and has the qualities of a real environment, but is also fun from a game design perspective."<ref name="OPM UK June 2007" /> The ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' rendition of Liberty City is far more detailed and is the largest individual city in the ''Grand Theft Auto'' series.<ref name="slab">{{cite web|url=http://games.kikizo.com/news/200705/101_p1.asp|title=Welcome to Grand Theft Auto IV| author=Doree, Adam|work=[[Kikizo]]|date=2007-05-25}}</ref> Although smaller than San Andreas, Liberty City is comparable to it in terms of scope when "the level of verticality of the city, the number of buildings you can go into, and the level of detail in those buildings" are taken into account.<ref name="slab" /> The goal for Liberty City was to have no dead spots or irrelevant spaces, such as the wide open deserts in San Andreas.<ref name="OPM UK June 2007" /> To achieve a realistic environment, the Rockstar North team, based in [[Edinburgh]], Scotland, made two trips to New York for research, one at the start of the project (which is done with every ''GTA'' game) and another smaller one further into development.<ref name="ign" /> A full-time research team, based in New York, handled further requests for information ranging from the ethnic minority of a neighbourhood to videos of traffic patterns.<ref name="fritz" />

The story of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' was written by [[Dan Houser]] and Rupert Humphries.<ref name="gtaiv" /> Unlike previous ''Grand Theft Auto'' games which have a strong cultural or cinematic influence, "[''GTA IV'' doesn't] really have any cinematic influences",<ref name="OPM UK June 2007" /> said Dan Houser, "we were consciously trying to go, well, if videogames are going to develop into the next stage, then the thing isn't to try and do a loving tribute or reference other stuff. It's to reference the actual place itself."<ref name="fritz" /> Houser also said, "In terms of the character, we wanted something that felt fresh and new and not something that was obviously derived from [a] movie. [...] Maybe could do something ourselves that would live alongside that stuff."<ref name="fritz" />

[[Image:GTA IV Special Edition copy.png|thumb|right|250px|''GTA IV: Special Edition'' contents: ''Grand Theft Auto IV'', metal safe deposit box, Rockstar Games keychain, duffel bag, ''Art of Grand Theft Auto IV'' book and ''The Music of Grand Theft Auto IV'' soundtrack.]]
To date, ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' has the largest soundtrack for a video game with 214 songs.<ref name="crimepays">{{cite web |url = http://www.reuters.com/article/musicNews/idUSN2540948020080426 |title = Crime pays for music biz with new Grand Theft Auto |accessdate = 2008-05-18 |author = Bruno, Antony |date = 2008-04-26 |publisher = ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' }}</ref> Music supervisor Ivan Pavlovich said "[we had] to pick the songs that make New York today what it is, but make sure they won't feel dated by the time the game comes out."<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117984286.html?categoryid=1079&cs=1 |title = 'Grand Theft' music a phone call away |accessdate = 2008-05-18 |author = Fritz, Ben |date = 2008-04-18 |publisher = ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' }}</ref> The developers contacted over 2,000 people in order to obtain recording and publishing rights.<ref name="musicman" /> They even hired a private investigator to locate the relatives of late Skatt Bros. member [[Sean Delaney (KISS)|Sean Delaney]] to license the band's song, "Walk the Night".<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN0430077120080505 |title = "Grand Theft Auto" simplifies song purchasing |accessdate = 2008-05-18 |author = Bruno, Antony |date = 2008-05-05 |publisher = ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' }}</ref> Citing sources close to the deals, ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' reported that Rockstar paid as much as $5,000 per composition and another $5,000 per master recording per track.<ref name="crimepays" /> Developers originally considered letting players purchase music by going to an in-game [[record shop]] and for Niko to have an [[Digital audio player|MP3 player]], but both ideas were cut.<ref name="musicman" /> ''Grand Theft Auto IV'''s theme song is "Soviet Connection" by Michael Hunter, who also composed the theme for ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas''.<ref name="musicman" /> People who provide voices for the radio DJs include fashion designer [[Karl Lagerfeld]], musicians [[Iggy Pop]],<ref name="schiesel">{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/28/arts/28auto.html?ref=arts | title=Grand Theft Auto Takes On New York | author=Schiesel, Seth| date=2008-04-28 | publisher=''[[The New York Times]]'' }}</ref> [[Femi Kuti]],<ref name="IF99">{{cite web | url = http://www.rockstargames.com/IV/#?page=if99&content=interactive0 | title = IF99 official website |publisher = [[Rockstar Games]] | accessdate = 2008-04-28}}</ref> [[Jimmy Gestapo]]<ref name="LCHC">{{cite web | url = http://www.rockstargames.com/IV/#?page=lchc&content=interactive0 | title = L.C.H.C. official website |publisher = [[Rockstar Games]]| accessdate = 2008-04-28}}</ref> and [[Ruslana]],<ref name="Vladivostok">{{cite web | url = http://www.rockstargames.com/IV/#?page=vladivostok&content=interactive0 | title = Vladivostok FM official website |publisher = [[Rockstar Games]]| accessdate = 2008-04-28}}</ref> and real-life radio talk show host [[Lazlow Jones]].<ref name="OPM Review">{{cite journal | last = Clark | first = Tim | title = Grand Theft Auto IV Review | journal = [[PlayStation Official Magazine (UK)]] | issue = 17 | pages = 88–96 | publisher = [[Future Publishing]] | location = United Kingdom |month=April | year=2008}}</ref> [[DJ Green Lantern]] produced tracks exclusively for the game's hip-hop radio station The Beat 102.7.<ref name="crimepays" /> Record label owner and record producer Bobby Konders, who hosts the in-game radio station Massive B Soundsystem 96.9, went through the extra effort of flying to [[Jamaica]] to get [[dancehall]] artists to re-record tracks to make references to the boroughs of Liberty City.<ref name="crimepays" />

Microsoft vice president [[Peter Moore (business)|Peter Moore]] announced at E3 2006 that the game would appear on [[Xbox 360]], by rolling up his sleeve to reveal a ''GTA IV'' [[temporary tattoo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://planetgrandtheftauto.gamespy.com/gta4/ |title=Planet Grand Theft Auto - Grand Theft Auto IV |accessdate=2008-05-26 |publisher=[[GameSpy]]}}</ref> Rockstar Games initially appeared to be committed to the original 16 October 2007 release date; however, Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter suggested that Take-Two may choose to delay the release of the game in order to boost its financial results for 2008 and to avoid competing with the release of other highly anticipated titles, such as ''[[Halo 3]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last= Gibson|first=Ellie|date=2007-06-04|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=25493|title=Pachter predicts delay for GTA IV|publisher=[[Gamesindustry.biz]]|accessdate=2007-04-05}}</ref> Rockstar responded by saying that ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' was still on track for release in "late October".<ref>{{cite web|title=Rockstar Dismisses Talk of GTA IV Delay|url= http://games.kikizo.com/news/200706/004.asp|work=Kikizo|author=Wollenschlaeger, Alex|date=2007-06-04|accessdate=2007-06-07 |format=html}}</ref> On 2 August 2007, Take-Two announced that ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' would miss its original release date of 16 October 2007 contrary to their previous statements, and would be delayed to their second fiscal quarter (February–April) of 2008.<ref name="ttpress">{{cite press release|title=Launch of Grand Theft Auto IV Now Planned for Fiscal 2008|publisher=[[Take-Two Interactive]]|date=2007-08-02|url=http://ir.take2games.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=258238|accessdate=2007-08-02}}</ref> In a later conference call with investors, Take-Two's Strauss Zelnick attributed the delay to "almost strictly technological problems... not problems, but challenges."<ref>{{cite web|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|title=Take-Two Execs Explain GTA IV Delay|publisher=[[Kotaku]]|date=2007-08-02|url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/take_two-interactive/take+two-execs-explain-gta-iv-delay-285526.php|accessdate =2007-08-02}}</ref> It was revealed that technical difficulties with the [[PlayStation 3]] version of the game contributed to the delay, along with storage problems on the [[Xbox 360]].<ref name="MTV">{{cite press release|title=Grand Theft Auto IV Developer Announces Release Date, Says Whether There Will Be Another Hot Coffee|publisher=Stephen Totilo|date=2008-01-24|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1580161/20080123/index.jhtml}}</ref> On 24 January 2008, Take-Two announced that ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' would be released on 29 April 2008.<ref name="ReleaseDate" /> As the release date approached, Rockstar Games and Take-Two [[marketing for Grand Theft Auto IV|marketed the game]] heavily through various forms, including television ads, Internet video, billboards, viral marketing, and a redesigned website. A special edition of the game was also released for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite web|date=2007-05-21|url=http://ir.take2games.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=244729|title=Take-Two Games - Investor Relations General Information|accessdate=2007-05-21}}</ref> At a Take-Two shareholder meeting on 18 April 2008, Take-Two CEO Ben Feder announced that ''GTA IV'' had already "[[Software release life cycle#Gold or general availability (GA) release|gone gold]]" and was "in production and in trucks en route to retailers".<ref name="gold"> {{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6189477.html?part=rss&tag=gs_all_games&subj=6189477|title=Grand Theft Auto IV golden, already in transit |author=Tom Magrino |date=2008-04-18}}</ref> Overall, ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' took over 1000 people and more than three and a half years to complete, with a total cost estimated at approximately $100 million, making it the most expensive game ever developed.<ref name="cost">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gta-iv-most-expensive-game-ever-developed|title=GTA IV: Most Expensive Game Ever Developed?|author=Mark Androvich|accessdate=2008-05-01|publisher=[[GamesIndustry.biz]]}}</ref>

===Downloadable content===
[[Image:GTAIV-TLAD.png|right|200px|thumb|The official logo for the first episode.]]
Rockstar Games is releasing exclusive [[Episodic games|episodic content]] for the [[Xbox 360]] version of ''GTA IV''. The first episode, titled ''The Lost and Damned'', will be released on [[Xbox Live]] on 17 February 2009. The episode will feature a new central character, Johnny Klebitz, who is a member of Liberty City's biker gang, The Lost (a gang which featured in several ''GTA IV'' missions). Dan Houser, vice president of creative development at Rockstar Games, claims the episode will show "a different side of Liberty City".<ref name="gta4dlc">{{cite web |url = http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2008-11-19-gta-damned_N.htm |title = 'Grand Theft Auto' yields road to the 'Lost and Damned' |accessdate = 2008-11-20 |date = 2008-11-20 |publisher = [[USA Today]] }}</ref> Details of pricing have not yet been revealed, though it would almost certainly not be released for free, as [[Take-Two Interactive]]'s former [[Chief executive officer|CEO]], [[Paul Eibeler]], has said numerous times that these downloads would provide "additional revenue streams" to the company,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://seekingalpha.com/article/11813-take-two-interactive-software-inc-f2q06-qtr-ended-apr-30-2006-earnings-conference-call-ttwo |title = Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. F2Q06 (Qtr ended Apr 30, 2006) Earnings Conference Call (transcript) |accessdate = 2008-06-29 |date = 2006-06-08 |publisher = [[Seeking Alpha]] }}</ref> but Microsoft has said that it will be up to Rockstar on whether or not they will charge for it.<ref name="F07B">{{cite web |url = http://www.thebitbag.com/2008/02/21/microsoft-blogger-breakfast-bullets/ |title = Microsoft Blogger Breakfast Bullets |accessdate = 2008-04-16 |author = Davis, Torrence |date = 2008-02-21 |publisher = The Bitbag }}</ref> Jeronimo Barrera, Vice President of Product Development for Rockstar Games, has said that the episodes are an experiment because they are not sure that there are enough users with access to online content on the Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite web|date=2008-02-11|url=http://kotaku.com/354716/rockstar-experimenting-with-episodic-content|title=Grand Theft Auto IV: Rockstar Experimenting with Episodic Content|publisher=[[Kotaku]]|accessdate=2008-02-12}}</ref> Take-Two Interactive's [[Chief Financial Officer]], Lainie Goldstein revealed that Microsoft was paying a total of $50 million for the first two episodes.<ref>{{cite web|date=2007-06-11|url= http://seekingalpha.com/article/38017|title=Take-Two F2Q07 (Qtr End 4/30/07) Earnings Call Transcript|publisher=SeekingAlpha|accessdate=2007-06-17}}</ref>

The content was first announced during [[Microsoft]]'s 2006 [[E3]] press conference on 9 May 2006.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gibson|first=Ellie |date= 2007-07-11|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/e3-microsofts-conference|title =E3: Microsoft'sConference|publisher=[[Gamesindustry.biz]]|accessdate = 2008-04-08}}</ref> [[Peter Moore (business)|Peter Moore]], the then head of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business division described downloadable content as "epic episode packs", and not just an extra car or character. A press release during the conference said that the packs would add "hours of entirely new gameplay" to the game.<ref>{{cite web|last=Surette|first=Tim|date=2006-09-27|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6158823.html?sid=6158823|title=X06: Duo of XBL GTA4 packs confirmed for 360|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref> On 20 February 2008, it was initially announced that the extra content would be introduced starting August 2008.<ref>{{cite web| title=GDC: GTA IV Episode 1 - August, 360 exclusive|publisher=[[ComputerAndVideoGames.com]]|date= 2008-02-20|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=182934|accessdate=2008-02-20}}</ref> As part of its second quarter financial reports Take-Two announced that the downloadable content had been delayed and would be released during the first quarter of its 2009 financial year (November 2008–January 2009).<ref name="DLCDelay">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=146825|title=GTA IV DLC for Xbox 360 delayed|publisher=[[Eurogamer]]|date=|2008-06-06|accessdate=2008-06-06}}</ref> On 13 November 2008, Take-Two executive chairman Strauss Zelnick said that while they are aiming to release the first episode pack by January 2009, it may change to the second financial quarter of 2009 (February-April) depending on the completion date.<ref name="zelnick-ep-delay" /><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.edge-online.com/news/take-two-gta-iv-dlc-may-be-delayed |title = Take-Two: GTA IV DLC "May" be Delayed |accessdate = 2008-11-15 |author = Graft, Kris |date = 2008-11-13 |publisher = ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' }}</ref>

===Updates===
Upon the game's release, [[Kotaku]] reported that several PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners had complained of the game [[freeze (computing)|freezing]] during the initial cut-scene, rendering it unplayable.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/385073/wait-gta-iv-is-locking-up |title=Wait, GTA IV Is Locking Up? |accessdate=2008-04-29 |last= |first= |coauthors= |date=2008-04-29 |work= |publisher=[[Kotaku]]}}</ref> It was also reported on Kotaku that the online multiplayer was down on release day for some PlayStation 3 users.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/385452/gta-iv-multiplayer-down-for-some-ps3-players |title= GTA IV Multiplayer Down For Some PS3 Players |accessdate=2008-04-30 |date=2008-04-29 |publisher=[[Kotaku]]}}</ref> On 7 May 2008, [[Rockstar Games|Rockstar]] released a patch for the PlayStation 3 version of the game to improve the multiplayer experience.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://playstation.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/playstation.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1040 |title = Grand Theft Auto™ IV patch released |accessdate = 2008-11-12 |date = 2008-07-24 |publisher = [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] }}</ref> According to Rockstar, the update prevents GameSpy's servers from being overloaded and therefore reduces the impact on those servers that were causing the game to stutter and lock up.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=137406 |title=GTA IV PS3 patch due today |accessdate=2008-05-07 |date=2008-05-07 |publisher=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/52556 |title=GTA IV PS3 Patch Released |accessdate=2008-05-07 |date=2008-05-07 |publisher=[[Shacknews]]}}</ref> Further multiplayer fixes were made available on 23 June 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://socialclub.rockstargames.com/patches/|title=Grand Theft Auto IV Patch|accessdate=2008-06-23|date=23 June 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/grand-theft-auto-4-patch-multiplayer-and-freezing-fixes-promise/|title=Grand Theft Auto 4 patch: multiplayer and freezing fixes promised|date=23 June 2008|publisher=Joystiq}}</ref>

On 27 October 2008, Rockstar released an update which added [[PlayStation Network#Trophies|Trophy]] support to the PlayStation 3 version.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://gamespot.com/news/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=26647303 |title = PS3 GTAIV snatching trophies Oct. 27 |accessdate = 2008-11-12 |author = TomM_GScom |date = 2008-10-24 |publisher = [[GameSpot]] }}</ref> Like Achievements on the Xbox 360, Trophies may be unlocked by completing certain unique tasks.

On 15 November 2008, another patch (1.04) was released for the PlayStation 3 version of the game.{{Fact|date=November 2008}}

===Community features===
The [[Rockstar Games Social Club]] is a web site that displays the gameplay statistics of registered users and feature competitions and awards based on player activity within the game.<ref>{{cite web| last = Androvich| first = Mark| title = Rockstar to launch Social Club with GTA IV | work = [[Gamesindustry.biz]]| publisher = | date = 2008-03-27| url = http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/rockstar-to-launch-social-club-with-gta-iv| accessdate =2008-03-28 }}</ref> [http://socialclub.rockstargames.com The Social Club web site] was announced on 27 March 2008 and launched on 17 April 2008. The main features of Social Club launched on the same date of the game itself 29 April 2008. Social Club will also provide online features for Rockstar's latest ''Midnight Club'' game, ''[[Midnight Club: Los Angeles]]''. Social Club consists of multiple parts. It initially included the LCPD Police Blotter, The Story Gang, The 100% Club, The Hall Of Fame, The Liberty City Marathon and The Zit.

In an interview with ''[[Playstation World]]'' Magazine, Rockstar mentioned that they will "heavily support" [[Sony]]'s [[PlayStation Home]], a community-based service for the [[PlayStation Network]]. Rockstar also mentioned that visitors to their PlayStation Home apartment would receive 'goodies' such as clothing for their [[Avatar (computing)|avatar]] and items and decorations for their own PlayStation Home apartment.<ref name="psw">{{cite journal |author = Dean, Ian |title = |work = [[PlayStation World]] |publisher = [[Future plc]] |issue = May 2008 |accessdate = 2008-11-09 |pages = 67 }}</ref>

===Windows version===
[[Image:Replay editor.jpg|thumb|225px|left|The Windows version of ''GTA IV'' includes a replay editor. This screenshot shows the Clips interface which is used to capture game footage.]]
{{VG Requirements
|useminandrec=yes
|caption=System requirements
|platform1=Windows<ref name="gta4pcrdsysre-ign"/>
|os1= Windows Vista Service Pack 1 / Windows XP Service Pack 3
|cpu1=Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz, AMD Athlon X2 64 2.4 GHz
|cpu1rec=Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4 GHz, AMD Phenom X3 2.1 GHz
|memory1=1.0 GB (Windows XP) 1.5 GB (Windows Vista)
|memory1rec= 2.5 GB
|gpu1=256 MB Nvidia 7900 / 256 MB ATI X1900
|gpu1rec=512 MB Nvidia 8800 / 512 MB ATI 3870
|hdspace1=16&nbsp;GB of free space
|hdspace1rec=18&nbsp;GB of free space
|network1=Internet connection required for activation and multiplayer
|sound1=100% DirectX 9.0c compliant card
}}

On 6 August 2008, Rockstar announced that a [[Microsoft Windows]] version is in development by [[Rockstar North]] and [[Rockstar Toronto]].<ref name="gta4pchan-IGNUK">{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/925/925457p1.html|title=Grand Theft Auto IV UK Hands-on|last=Robinson|first=Martin |date=2008-10-30 |publisher=[[IGN]] (UK) |accessdate=2008-10-30}}</ref><ref name="PCRelease-Take2"/> The game was originally announced for release in North America on 18 November 2008 and in Europe on 21 November 2008 but was later pushed back to 2 and 3 December 2008, respectively.<ref name="PCRelease-Take2" /><ref name="gta4pcrdsysre-ign" /><ref name="gta4pchandson-eurog" />

It features expanded features,<ref name="PCRelease-Take2"/> including traffic density control, [[draw distance]] configurations and a replay editor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/925/925457p1.html|title=Grand Theft Auto IV UK Hands-on|last=Robinson|first=Martin |date=2008-10-30 |publisher=[[IGN]] (UK)|pages=2|accessdate=2008-11-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/pc/grand-theft-auto-iv/preview/grand-theft-auto-iv-is-the-pc-version-the-best/a-200810301323482004/g-2008080416222952067|title=Grand Theft Auto IV: Is the PC version the best? |last=Nagata|first=Tyler |date=2008-10-30 |publisher=[[GamesRadar]]|accessdate=2008-11-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/grandtheftauto4/news.html?sid=6200321&om_act=convert&om_clk=picks&tag=picks;title;4|title= GTAIV PC Hands-On: Video Editor and More |last=Coby|first=Alex Sassoon |date=2008-10-30|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|accessdate=2008-11-04}}</ref><ref name="ign-pc">{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/925/925105p1.html|title=Grand Theft Auto IV Hands-on|last=Onyett|first=Charles |date=2008-10-30|publisher=[[IGN]]|pages=2|accessdate=2008-11-04}}</ref> The replay editor allows players to record and edit game clips, videos can then be uploaded to Rockstar's Social Club website.<ref name="ign-pc" /> It utilizes [[Games for Windows - Live]] for online play and supports 32 players for multiplayer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/912/912071p1.html|title=Games for Windows Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary Like a Rockstar|date=2008-09-22|publisher=[[IGN]]|accessdate=2008-09-22}}</ref><ref name="gta4pcinfo-beefjack">{{cite web|url=http://www.beefjack.com/blog/fran/gta/gta-iv-pc-rockstar-announces-social-club-tv-and-official-site-updated/|title=GTA IV PC: Rockstar Announces Social Club TV and Official Site Updated|last=Stanyon|first=Matt |date=November 19, 2008|publisher=BeefJack|language=English|accessdate=2008-11-19}}</ref> [[SecuROM]] protection is utilized and a one time online activation is required in order to play the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/934/934268p2.html|title=Rockstar Talks GTA IV PC DRM|date=2008-11-28|publisher=[[IGN]]|accessdate=2008-11-30}}</ref> It's also possible to activate the game by using another computer if the computer that the game has been installed on doesn't have an Internet connection. Gamers have already reported receiving fatal error messages appearing on-screen during the setup stages. Apparently it is related to server problems on Rockstar's side and, as of yet, it has not been rectified.<ref>http://www.product-reviews.net/2008/12/03/gta-4-on-pc-gamers-report-fatal-error-already/</ref> An error, labeled MMA10, has been discovered and is a result of the faulty operation of Rockstar's servers. This error causes the game to crash to the desktop. The only solution discovered is to log out of the Rockstar Social Club application before gameplay and there has been a 100% success rate.<ref>http://www.gtaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=378764&st=0</ref> Additionally, it is possible to enable multiplayer mode by "alt-tabbing" after the game has loaded and then log into Rockstar Social Club then return back into the game.<ref>http://www.gtaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=379008</ref> On 4 December 2008 it was announced that Rockstar is hurriedly at work to fix the issues presented in the PC version of the game. They have also drawn up a document that provides all the known error codes and the cause and solution to the problem.<ref>http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2008/12/04/rockstar-rush-to-fix-gta-iv-pc-issues/1</ref>

==Reception==
===Critical reception===
{{VG Reviews
|width = 25em
|OXMUK = 10/10<ref name="oxmuk"/>
|OXM = 9.5/10 <!-- This score is for the official US Xbox Magazine. Unless you have a source that says it gave GTA a 10, don't change it -->
|OPMUK = 10/10{{Fact|date=November 2008}}
|OPMAU = 10/10{{Fact|date=November 2008}}
|EGM = A+/A+/A{{Fact|date=November 2008}}
|IGN = 10.0/10<ref name="ign review" />
|1UP = A+<ref name="1up" />
|Edge = 10/10<ref name="EdgeReview">{{cite journal|author=Edge staff|journal=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|month=June|year=2008|title=Grand Theft Auto IV review|issue=189}}</ref>
|EuroG = 10/10<ref name="eurogamer" />
|Fam = 39 of 40{{Fact|date=November 2008}}
|GSpot = 10.0/10<ref name="calvert"/>
|GI = 10/10<ref name="gameinformer">{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200806/R08.0425.1548.19614.htm
|title=PERFECTION |accessdate=2008-04-29 |author=Andrew Reiner |year=2008 |month=April |publisher=[[Game Informer]]}}</ref>
|MC = 360: 98/100<ref name="gta4360rev-Metac">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/grandtheftauto4?q=Grand%20Theft%20Auto%20IV|title=Grand Theft Auto 4 (X360) Review|publisher=Metacritic|accessdate=2008-10-13}}</ref><br />PS3: 98/100<ref name="gta4ps3rev-Metac">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/grandtheftauto4?q=Grand%20Theft%20Auto%20IV|title=Grand Theft Auto 4 (PS3) Review|publisher=Metacritic|accessdate=2008-10-13}}</ref><br />PC: 91/100<ref>http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/grandtheftauto4</ref>
|MG = 360: 96/100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/xbox360/grand-theft-auto-iv|title=Grand Theft Auto IV For Xbox 360|publisher=[[MobyGames]]|accessdate=2008-10-23}}</ref><br />PS3: 96/100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/ps3/grand-theft-auto-iv|title=Grand Theft Auto IV For PlayStation 3|publisher=[[MobyGames]]|accessdate=2008-10-23}}</ref>
|TTR = X360: 3.98/4<ref name="TTR" /><br />
PS3: 3.97/4<ref name="TTRPS3">{{cite web|url=http://games.toptenreviews.com/reviews/g11829.htm|title=Grand Theft Auto IV Review (PS3) - TTR|publisher=TopTenReviews|accessdate=2008-10-25}}</ref>
}}

''Grand Theft Auto IV'' has received near-universal acclaim from video game critics. On the review aggregator [[MobyGames]], It is one of the highest rated games of all time.<ref name="MG All Time Best" >{{cite web|url=http://www.mobygames.com/stats/top_games|title=All Time Best|publisher=[[MobyGames]]|accessdate=2008-10-23}}</ref> On another review aggregator [[TopTenReviews]], It is the second-highest rated video game of all-time, behind ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]''.<ref name="TTR" /> Ahead of its worldwide release, most publications were not sent copies of the game. Instead, reviewers had to play the game at Rockstar premises or in booked hotel rooms.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7370590.stm | title= Grand Theft Auto receives acclaim| publisher=[[BBC News Online]] | date=2008-04-28 | accessdate=2008-04-28 }}</ref>

The May 2008 issue of ''[[Official Xbox Magazine]]'' (UK) published the first ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' review, giving the game the maximum score of 10/10. The magazine also stated that the game has an "amazingly realistic world; stunning action set pieces; genuinely engrossing storyline; hugely entertaining multiplayer;" and that it is "vast in every respect."<ref name="oxmuk">{{cite web |url = http://www.oxm.co.uk/article.php?id=3993 |title = Xbox Review: Grand Theft Auto IV |accessdate = 2008-05-24 |author = Hicks, Jon |date = 2008-04-28 |publisher = ''[[Official Xbox Magazine#UK Edition|Xbox 360: The Official Magazine]]'' }}</ref> ''[[PlayStation Official Magazine (UK)]]'' also gave the game 10/10 in their May 2008 issue, describing the game as "a masterpiece that improves on all GTA's best bits."<ref name="OPM Review" /> ''[[Xbox World 360]]'' gave the game a 98% rating, the highest it has ever given to any game, mentioning the game was "everything we were entitled to expect, and yet somehow impossibly more."<ref>{{cite|title=GTA IV review|author=Xbox World 360|publisher=Future Publishing|month=April | year=2008}}</ref> [[GameSpot]] gave the game a perfect 10,<ref name="calvert">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/grandtheftauto4/review.html |title=Grand Theft Auto IV for Xbox 360 Review |accessdate=2008-04-29 |author=Justin Calvert |date=2008-04-29 |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |pages=2}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/users/RicardoT/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=m-100-25399424|title=The scoop on the GTA IV score|date=2008-04-30|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|accessdate=2008-10-13}}</ref> making it the first game since 2001 that GameSpot had rated perfect. The review called the game "compelling," with a "plethora of online multiplayer features" and stated that ''GTA IV'' is "undoubtedly the best ''Grand Theft Auto'' yet."<ref name="calvert" />

Hilary Goldstein of [[IGN]] gave the game a 10/10 score, with the game earning 10<!-- SEE TALK PAGE 'ign review'-->/10 in each individual category: presentation, sound, graphics, gameplay, and lasting appeal. It is the first game in the publication's history to receive straight-10 subscores across the board. Goldstein called the game "just as big a leap forward" as ''Grand Theft Auto III'', albeit "in subtler ways", and said it "sets a new benchmark for open-world games", with "no one major weak aspect." Goldstein's only serious criticism was for "the occasional flaw in the cover system", but the review concluded with the statement that "We don't give 10s often—just to games that merit the score."<ref name="ign review">{{cite web |url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/869/869381p1.html |title = Grand Theft Auto IV Review |accessdate = 2008-04-26 |author = Goldstein, Hilary |date = 2008-04-25 |publisher = [[IGN]] }}</ref>

The British newspaper ''[[Daily Star]]'' gave it a positive review, praising: "This could be a console defining title, one that in years to come people will remember as the stand-out of the era."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.co.uk/gameon/view/35544/Joy-Ride-Grand-Theft-Auto-IV/| title = Daily Star Review|accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' wrote a favourable review as well, calling it a "violent, intelligent, profane, endearing, obnoxious, sly, richly textured and thoroughly compelling work of cultural satire disguised as fun."<ref name="schiesel" /> The film magazine ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'' gave the game a perfect 5/5 in its game reviews section, calling it "damn-near perfect".<ref name="empire">{{cite web|url=http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?GID=522|title = Empire Reviews Central - Review of Grand Theft Auto IV|accessdate=2008-04-21}}</ref>

Despite the almost unanimous praise given to ''GTA IV'', the game has received some criticism.<ref name="criticism">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/nega-review-grand-theft-auto-iv/|title=Nega-review: Grand Theft Auto IV|accessdate=2008-04-29}}</ref> A review in [[Ars Technica]] states that the game "...[is] not perfect. It does not deserve unquestioned, unadulterated praise. In many ways, the slight regression of the series from ''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas|San Andreas]]'' is surprising: there are fewer vehicles, weapons, and story missions, less character customization, and even the size of the city itself is smaller."<ref name="arstechnica">{{cite web|url=http://arstechnica.com/reviews/games/gta-4-review.ars|title=The streets hit back: a review of Grand Theft Auto IV|accessdate=2008-05-01}}</ref> GameSpot noted that there are occasional problems with friendly AI and avoiding the police being "a little too easy."<ref name="calvert" /> There were some minor complaints with the game's cover system, which reviewers noted, stumbled in box-filled environments and the stickiness of cover points being an issue.<ref name="eurogamer">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=134493 |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Review // Xbox 360 /// Eurogamer |accessdate=2008-04-29 |author=Tom Bramwell |date=2008-04-27 |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |pages=3}}</ref><ref name="ign review" /><ref name="oxmuk" /> The occasional presence of noticeable pop-in was also criticised.<ref name="1up">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3167589|title=Grand Theft Auto IV review|accessdate=2008-04-27|author=Crispin Boyer|date=2008-04-27|publisher=[[1UP.com]]}}</ref><ref name="eurogamer" /><ref name="oxmuk" />

===Commercial success===
Shares of [[Take-Two Interactive]] gained as much as 3.4% amid positive reviews before the game's launch.<ref name="shares rise">{{cite web |url=http://www.canada.com/topics/technology/games/story.html?id=0ab04dc7-1a48-4ac2-980b-9f4647f5abbb&k=57897 |title=Take-Two shares rise amid rave reviews for GTA4 |accessdate=2008-04-28 |author=Scott Hillis |date=2008-04-28 |publisher=[[Reuters]] via Canada.com}}</ref> Scott Hillis of [[Reuters]] said first week sales of the game were expected to reach $400 million.<ref name="shares rise" /> Some observers suggested that ''GTA IV'''s success could dampen the box office for the 2 May 2008 release of ''[[Iron Man (film)|Iron Man]]'', setting a precedent where movie studios will begin browsing video-game release dates to check for conflicts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.canada.com/topics/technology/games/story.html?id=00fb5015-0575-4889-817c-c79f4f4cf176&k=64752 |title=Grand Theft Auto could be Hollywood's biggest summer competition |accessdate=2008-04-28 |author=Nick Lewis |date=2008-04-28 |publisher=Canada.com}}</ref> Matt Richtel of ''[[The New York Times]]'' said the game's release was "expected to be one of the biggest video game debuts ever" and said 5 million copies of the game were expected to be sold in the first two weeks.<ref name="richtel">{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/29/technology/29game.html |title=For Gamers, the Craving Won't Quit |accessdate=2008-04-29 |author=Matt Richtel |date=2008-04-29 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Analyst Michael Pachter predicted the game will sell 11 to 13 million units by the end of 2008. Pachter also expects ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' to represent 3.2% of all US and European software sales for 2008 and for lifetime sales of the game to reach 16 to 19 million.<ref name="big or huge" /> Analyst Evan Wilson predicted that ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' would have opening week sales of $550 million.<ref name="big or huge">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6190011.html |title=GTAIV: Big or huge? |accessdate=2008-04-28 |author=Tom Magrino |date=2008-04-28 |publisher=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>

Upon release, ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' claimed two entertainment industry sales records, posting the best single-day and seven-day sales totals for a video game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2216243/gta-hijacks-sales-crown |title=GTA IV smashes sales records |accessdate=2008-05-26 |author=Shaun Nichols |date=2008-05-09 |publisher=vnunet.com}}</ref> The game sold more than 3.6 million copies on its first day of availability (garnering $310 million in sales), while also selling 6 million copies in the first week of availability (garnering $500 million in sales).<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/07/technology/07game.html | title = A $500 Million Week for Grand Theft Auto | publisher = ''[[The New York Times]]'' | first = Mike | last = Richtel | date = 2008-05-07 | accessdate = 2008-05-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/hotStocksNews/idUSWNAS233520080507 |title=Take-Two's Grand Theft Auto 4 sales top $500 million |accessdate=2008-05-08 |author=Franklin Paul |date=2008-05-07 |publisher=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, the game sold 631,000 copies on its first day of release,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/30473/UK-CHARTS-All-conquering-GTA-IV-hits-No1 |author=Tim Ingham |title=UK CHARTS: All-conquering GTA IV hits No.1 |date=2008-05-06 |publisher=[[Market for Home Computing and Video Games]] |accessdate=2008-05-16}}</ref><ref name="UKfirstweeksales"/> making it the fastest-selling game in a 24 hour period within that region, according to [[Chart-Track]].<ref name="UKfirstdaysales">{{cite web |title=GTA IV smashes day one sales record |author=Tim Ingham |publisher=[[Market for Home Computing and Video Games]] |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/30423/GTA-IV-smashes-one-day-sales-record |date=2008-04-30 |accessdate=2008-05-16}}</ref> The previous record holder in the UK, ''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]'', sold 501,000 copies within 24 hours.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1915219/Grand-Theft-Auto-IV-becomes-UKandrsquos-fastest-selling-game.html |title=Grand Theft Auto IV is fastest-selling game |accessdate=2008-05-01 |author=Claudine Beaumont |date=2008-05-01 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]}}</ref><ref name="UKfirstdaysales"/><ref name="UKfirstweeksales"/> During the first five days of availability, the title sold 1.85 million units on the Xbox 360 and 1 million on the PlayStation 3 in the United States, according to the [[NPD Group]];<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6191066.html |author=Brendan Sinclair |title=NPD: US game revs spike on 2.85M GTAIVs |date=2008-05-15 |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=2008-05-16}}</ref> in the United Kingdom the Xbox 360 version sold 514,000 copies and the PlayStation 3 version sold 413,000, according to Chart-Track.<ref name="UKfirstweeksales">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gta-iv-926-000-copies-sold-in-five-days |author=Mark Androvich |title=GTA IV: 926,000 copies sold in five days |date=2008-05-06 |publisher=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |accessdate=2008-05-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/30468/360-outselling-PS3-in-GTA-software-battle |author=Tim Ingham |title=360 outselling PS3 in GTA software 'battle' |date=2008-05-06 |publisher=[[Market for Home Computing and Video Games]] |accessdate=2008-05-16}}</ref>

On 13 May 2008, ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' broke the [[Guinness World Records]] for "Highest grossing video game in 24 hours" and "Highest Revenue Generated by an Entertainment Product in 24 Hours". It sold 3.6 million copies on day one, which equalled roughly $310 million in revenue. For first day sales it also broke the record of "Fastest-selling video game in 24 hours", previously held by ''[[Halo 3]]'' at $170 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gamers.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/130508_GTA_IV_break_record.aspx |title=Confirmed: Grand Theft Auto IV Breaks Guinness World Records With Biggest Entertainment Release Of All-Time |accessdate=2008-05-13 |date=2008-05-13 |publisher=[[Guinness World Records]]}}</ref>

As of 31 May 2008, the title has sold over 11 million copies to retailers and 8.5 million have been sold through to consumers, according to Take-Two Interactive.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://ir.take2games.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=314411 |title=Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Reports Strong Second Quarter Fiscal 2008 Financial Results |publisher=[[Take-Two Interactive]] |date=2008-06-05 |accessdate=2008-06-06}}</ref> According to the NPD Group and [[GfK]] Chart-Track, the game has sold 4.711 million units in the US and 1.582 million in the UK, for a total of 6.293 million units as of 1 August 2008.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Leading Market Research Firms Join Forces to Provide First Multi-Continent View Of Video Game Software Sales |url=http://www.npd.com/press/releases/press_080821.html |date=2008-08-21 |accessdate=2008-08-23 |publisher=[[NPD Group]], [[GfK]] [[Chart-Track]], [[Enterbrain]]}}</ref> As of 16 August 2008, the title has sold over 10 million copies through to consumers, according to Take-Two Interactive.<ref name="salesfigure">{{cite press release |url=http://ir.take2games.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=332433 |title=Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Reports Record Third Quarter Fiscal 2008 Financial Results |publisher=[[Take-Two Interactive]] |date=2008-09-04 |accessdate=2008-09-08}}</ref> In its first four days of availability in Japan, the title sold 133,000 copies on the PlayStation 3 and 34,000 on the Xbox 360, according to [[Media Create]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5078486/grand-theft-auto-iv-1-with-a-bullet-in-japan |title=Grand Theft Auto IV #1 With A Bullet In Japan |author=Michael McWhertor |date=2008-11-06 |publisher=[[Kotaku]] |accessdate=2008-11-07}}</ref>

===Controversies===
{{main|Grand Theft Auto IV controversies}}

Prior to and since the release of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'', the game has been subject to a great deal of controversy. Figures including [[George Galloway]], [[Jack Thompson (attorney)|Jack Thompson]] and [[Glenn Beck]] have criticised the game, as have organizations including New York City officials and [[Mothers Against Drunk Driving]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6190213.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;3|title=Mothers against GTAIV's drunk driving|last=Sinclair|first=Brendan |date=2008-04-30|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|accessdate=2008-10-13}}</ref>

The version of ''GTA IV'' released in Australia and New Zealand was edited to remove content to allow the game to meet the requirements of [[Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)|the Australian classification system]].<ref name="smh-censor">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.smh.com.au/screenplay/archives/017808.html |title=GTA IV edited for Australia |accessdate=2008-04-05 |last=Hill |first=Jason |date=2008-04-04 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> However, the game was resubmitted to the New Zealand [[Office of Film and Literature Classification (New Zealand)|OFLC]] by Stan Calif, a 21-year-old student who was unhappy that New Zealand received an edited version of the game as a result of Australian censorship laws. The unedited version was subsequently given an R18 rating and cleared for sale in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/4557930a10.html|title=GTA IV unedited in New Zealand|last=Cardy|first=Tom|date=2008-05-23|publisher=Stuff.co.nz|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> The PC version of Grand Theft Auto IV released in Australia is reported to be unedited, identical to that of other international releases, under the MA15+ rating. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://au.gamespot.com/pc/action/grandtheftauto4/news.html?sid=6201744&om_act=convert&om_clk=newsfeatures&tag=newsfeatures;title;1|title=Uncut GTAIV PC coming to Australia|last=Chiappini|first=Dan|date=2008-11-30|publisher=Gamespot|accessdate=2008-12-01}}</ref>

There have been reports in the United Kingdom and the United States of crimes perpetrated against people purchasing ''Grand Theft Auto IV'', as well as employees of stores selling the game.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/04/30/gta_gamer_stabbed/ |title=Grand Theft Auto 4 queue man stabbed in head |first=James |last=Sherwood |publisher=[[The Register]] |date=2008-04-30}}</ref><ref name="UK violence">{{cite news |url=http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article3839991.ece |title=Man stabbed while waiting to buy Grand Theft Auto IV |date=2008-04-29 |first=Holden |last=Frith |publisher=''[[The Times]]''}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/chester-news/chester-breaking-news/2008/05/01/chester-boys-attacked-by-grand-theft-auto-snatchers-59067-20847718/ |title = Chester boys attacked by Grand Theft Auto snatchers |accessdate = 2008-11-09 |author = Mannion, Paul |date = 2008-05-01 |publisher = ''[[Chester Chronicle]]''}}</ref> One of these incidents, an attack near a [[Gamestation]] store in [[Croydon]], was later reported to be an unrelated argument between two groups of people leaving a pub<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/30421/Croydon-stabbing-had-nothing-to-do-with-GTA|title=Croydon stabbing 'had nothing to do with GTA’|last=Ingham|first=Tim |date=April 30 2008|publisher=[[Market for Home Computing and Video Games]]|language=English|accessdate=2008-11-21}}</ref> and the story has been referred to as a "[[moral panic|media panic]]."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2215574/grand-theft-auto-stabbing |title=Grand Theft Auto stabbing disputed |author=Iain Thomson |publisher=[[Yahoo! News]] |date=2008-04-30 |accessdate=2008-05-02}}</ref>

A group of six teenagers were arrested in June 2008 after engaging in a crime spree in [[New Hyde Park, New York]], assaulting and robbing several people, and attempting a [[carjacking]]. According to police, the teens claimed that they were "inspired" by ''Grand Theft Auto IV''.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.newsday.com/news/local/nassau/ny-lirobb0627,0,5611979.story |title = Cops: Grand Theft Auto video game inspired teen crimes |accessdate = 2008-06-27 |author = Chayes, Matthew |date = 2008-06-27 |publisher = [[Newsday]] }}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
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{{wikiquote|Grand Theft Auto IV}}
* [http://www.rockstargames.com/IV/ ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' Official website]
* [http://www.rockstargames.com/IV/#?page=pc&content=information ''Grand Theft Auto IV PC'' Official website]
* [http://gta.wikia.com/wiki/Grand_Theft_Auto_IV ''Grand Theft Auto IV''] at [[Wikia]]
* {{StrategyWiki}}

{{Grand Theft Auto}}

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[[Category:PlayStation 3 games]]
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Revision as of 16:43, 4 December 2008

Grand Theft Auto 4 is an EPIC FAIL on the PC. This page will continue to be HI-JACKED until Rockstar FIXES THE PC VERSION!!!!!!!


REBEL ALL!

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