Could this spell disaster for Take 2? (Um...no)

From gamesindustry.biz

Take 2 refuses to pinpoint GTA IV release

Matt Martin 11:36 (BST) 07/11/2007

Missing the upcoming Christmas season wasn't crucial, says Zelnick

Strauss Zelnick, chairman of Take 2, has refused to narrow down a release period for Grand Theft Auto IV, saying the publisher won't commit until it's "utterly convinced" the game is ready.

Most recently the publisher has said the title will be released in Q1 of 2008 – between February 1 and April 30 – following a delay that saw the game moved from its initial release of October 2007.

"It's a fair question given that we weren't able to stick to our firm date the last time. We're going to give a firm date when we are utterly convinced that we have it and that isn't right now," said Zelnick during a BMO Capital Markets conference yesterday.

"We know it's highly anticipated. Right now our view is to put out a high quality title and we're not in the business of disappointing investors."

Zelnick said that any concerns that the initial delay had caused it to miss the Christmas sales period have been alleviated, as GTA IV is a "must-have" title, able to take advantage of a bigger installed base of consoles in the New Year.

(follow the link for the rest of the article) LINK

I think the question is: Will Take 2/Rockstar sell more games during a packed Holiday season or during the spring when few great games are released? Of couse they're going to go with the time of year with less competition. It also gives them more time for hype and advertising through controversy. I'm pretty sure that Jack Thompson has his own problems right now and can't focus a whole lot on suing Take 2 over the content of Grand Theft Auto 4. Good move by this game company. Of course I wish that other companies would take a note and release their big titles during a shopping lull instead of this time of year. Bad move for my wallet.

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