So this is how you weaken the enemy. In a coup for both Take-Two Interactive
It's a big deal. The next installment in Take-Two's blockbuster franchise hits stores in October. It will be available for Microsoft's video game console as well as Sony's
It's an important question because PS3 sales have been disappointing so far. Grand Theft Auto IV is the kind of marquee title that would normally stir upgrade interest from players still tethered to their PS2 systems. In one fell swoop, Microsoft is burying the PS3 platform a little deeper while pushing its own box, as well as the lucrative Xbox Live platform that will be necessary to download the episodes.
We knew that episodes were coming. Take-Two said so back in March. Periodic Grand Theft Auto IV installments that take advantage of high-margin digital delivery will help offset the lull that takes place at Take-Two between physical releases.
Take-Two has other games in its arsenal. It is carving a niche as a small player in sports titles, though obviously it is just a poor man's Electronic Arts
Take-Two also kept its thirst for notoriety well quenched earlier this week, when Britain censored the company's Manhunt 2. It's the first time that a video game has been banned in that country in 10 years. However, all of the other titles in the Take-Two library take a backseat to the Grand Theft Auto franchise that drives the company. With the exclusive Xbox Live deal, I guess one can say that Mr. Softy just called shotgun.
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Longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz has played a few of the Grand Theft Auto games, though he's never been much of a carjacker. He does not own shares in any of the companies in this story. Rick is also part of the Rule Breakers newsletter research team, seeking out tomorrow's ultimate growth stocks a day early. The Fool has a disclosure policy.