An EA producer was heard commenting about Rockstar’s reaction of the Grand Theft Auto spoof in the upcoming Simpsons game. The producer says that Rockstar “spazzed out like little babies” after hearing of the spoof level in the Simpsons game called “Grand Theft Scratchy”.

Rockstar reportedly forced EA games to change the name of the level, which will now be called the “Mob Rules” stage. Simpsons executive producer Matt Selman explains where the controversy began: (more…)

Blah, blah. We’re sure you’re probably tired of hearing about the controversy surrounding GTA IV by now, but now is when the excitement about the actual game itself sets in. Some new details have been released concerning the gameplay of the newest addition to the Grand Theft Auto family. The most interesting fact you’ll probably hear is that you can fly across Liberty City in GTA IV, just not in planes. Planes are substituted for copters in this bad boy. Though flying is said said to be a significant part of the game.

Also recently revealed is that the method of car driving has been changed some, with an altered point of view compared to the other GTA games. Sources say it more closely resembles Midnight Club than any other GTA game. One of the only people to see an early addition of the game has this to say, “The visuals are tremendous and easily some of the best I have seen. What’s scary about this statement is that Rockstar North is still improving upon the visuals. There’s little question that it will be one of the best looking games come this holiday.” Ahhhh, we wanna play now! — Andrew Dobrow

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Though GTA IV might be causing more controversy since the release of its trailer than the other games in the all-around controversial Grand Theft Auto series, the buzz around the game might even overwhelm the political backlash. These scanned photos from the newest Game Informer magazine reveal a little more detail about the game and its pretty incredible graphics.

The shot shown above is a great example of the realism the game offers, which we’re pretty sure is the reason NY politicians are steamed over the game. Hey, as long as there isn’t airplane themed terrorism going on, who the hell cares right? The main character is Serbian for gods sakes, not Afghani. Everyone just has to chill about it. It’s a game, not a cultural revolution. Or is it? Either way it looks absolutely amazing. (more…)

Well, that settles it then. The Russian guy shown in the GTA IV trailer seems to be confirmed through the newest cover of Game Informer magazine. After the release of the uber-hyped Grand Theft Auto IV trailer late last week, speculation was a brewin’ on whether the man featured in the trailer was to be the main character or was just some thug used as a teaser. His appearance on the magazine cover seems to be a confirmation.

And if it isn’t a confirmation, we ask, Why the hell would they put him on the cover? The magazine cover also features the first official release of GTA IV artwork. What else will lurk inside the pages? — Andrew Dobrow

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The fallout was inevitable. What else could you respect from a game trailer that glorifies the slaughter of mass amounts of people and the theft of their vehicles in the streets of a New York City-esque Liberty City? Politicians are almost as hyped up about the GTA IV trailer as tech blogs were the last few days. We suppose the anger is justified, but we hate the idea of gaming being exploited for political gain. *cough, cough* Tipper Gore *cough cough*

NYC councilman Peter Vallone says “Setting Grand Theft Auto in the safest big city in America is like setting Halo in Disneyland”. Halo in Disneyland you say? Now, that’s a good idea! A spokesman for Mayor Bloomberg also spoke out saying that the Mayor condones no game where cops are killed or injured. Well, that’s just odd. Take Two Interactive remains quite on the subject, retaining their duck and cover PR strategy. — Andrew Dobrow

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UPDATE March 29, 2007: Grand Theft Auto IV Trailer released.

The Grand Theft Auto IV ad campaign is in full motion. After only days of spotting ad posters along the streets of New York City, this ad was spotted on the F/X channel on the old boob tube. The ad is a running countdown until the Grand Theft Auto IV trailer is released in, now, a little less than 6 days, give or take. Yes, you heard right. It’s an ad of an ad. Check back for updates and the actually trailer in the coming days! Hopefully GTA4 is more like Vice City, and less like the ghetto star San Andreas. No offense to the ghetto, Vice City was just more fun. — Andrew Dobrow

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Grand Theft Auto advertising has begun, and Rockstar sure isn’t kidding about this release. Plastered all over New York City, seemingly overnight, are these GTA IV teaser posters. Odds are that people didn’t even know what they were for and passed them off thinking it was some new trendy Broadway show. Or maybe a new medical sitcom titled, I.V.? Well a GTA Broadway show would be interesting now wouldn’t it? Get ready for some more car jacking and cap busting. “Coming Soon” — Andrew Dobrow

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Publishing company Take Two has confirmed in a financial results conference call that the eagerly awaited Grand Theft Auto IV will be released in October of this year. Following the record breaking sales of GTA: Vice City and GTA: San Andreas, Grand Theft Auto IV will no doubt be just as big or bigger of a success then the previous two major releases in the series.

Take Two and Rockstar have also confirmed that in 2008, exclusive episodic content downloads for the new GTA will become available. In 2006, Microsoft announced a deal with Rockstar to have exclusive downloads for its Xbox 360. Grand Theft Auto IV is planned to ship for both Xbox 360 and PS3 simultaneously. — Andrew Dobrow

GTA IV: October Release Confirmed, Episodes coming in 2008 [Team Xbox]