Rhonda Farr said: ‘Publicity, darling. Just publicity. Any kind is better than none at all.’
[1933 R. Chandler in Black Mask Dec. 26]
That is true. Very true in this case. Controversials about the game "Grant Theft Auto 4" (aka GTA IV) in question made it more desirable to buy, it seems. Just one example: Chicago banned the ads for the game from their buses because they saw their image damaged.
Very clever marketing. And, technically spoken, a very good product.
The sales are as successful as the biggest blockbuster film debut, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End".
6 Million copies were sold within one week, raking in more than 500 Million USD. This opening topped the most optimistic expectations. Analysts' forecast were at 13 million units. By the end of the year.
Now Electronic Arts (EA), rival game publisher who wants to buy GTA's publisher Take Two Interactive Software Inc, seem to have to rethink their offer.
What will be the total sales revenue within the first two weeks after release of the game?
(If sales aren't published, but amount of units are, calculate 83.3 USD/unit)
For links about this: See first comment (due to the limitation of the length this text).
Details
- Question status: Suspended
- Settlement details: As reported by a major mainstream news source.
- Initial likelihoods:
less than 700 Million USD: 10%, 700 Million USD (incl) to 800 Million USD (excl): 25%, 800 Million USD (incl) to 900 Million USD (excl): 30%, 900 Million USD (incl) to 1 Billion USD (excl): 25%, 1 Billion USD or more: 10%
Action history
Created Wed 7th May 12:42pm PST by
kruijs
Suspended Tue 13th May 3:59pm PST : Suspend date reached
Settlement requested last Monday 3:17pm PST by
ladylara:
past 2 weeks (April 29-May 14th). thank you
Prediction Graph
What will be the global sales of "Grand Theft Auto 4" within two weeks after release?
less than 700 Million USD
700 Million USD (incl) to 800 Million USD (excl)
800 Million USD (incl) to 900 Million USD (excl)
900 Million USD (incl) to 1 Billion USD (excl)
drunkenmonkey
myunion
jhouseholder
Larger graph on 
Suspended
jimbo
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/feedarticle/7503529
GTA IV Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlF6fbIFiCM
Fan Site:
http://www.gta4.net/news/index.php
About Chicago ads:
http://gamepolitics.com/2008/04/21/gta-iv-ads-to-be-pulled-from-buses-as-transit-authority-caves-to-pressure/
About LA ads:
http://flickr.com/search/?q=GTA%20IV&w=37598713%40N00
About NY ads:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=GTA&w=10564709%40N08
Please log in or join to post a comment.