Take Two Interactive's "Grand Theft Auto IV" is expected to have one of, if not the biggest launches in entertainment history when it hits stores tomorrow. Analysts are predicting a $400 million
opening week for the video game, topping Microsoft's "Halo 3," which set the previous record last fall with $300 million in sales.
"Grand Theft Auto", an 11-year-old franchise that's
sold more than 65 million copies worldwide, also happens to be at the center of a $2 billion takeover war between Take Two and Electronic Arts, the industry's biggest third-party developer. Take Two
has said it's unwilling to consider a deal until after tomorrow's launch, as the company believe sales will be so huge and Take Two shares will receive such a boost that EA will be forced to sweeten
its offer.
Early revues of GTA IV are glowing-indeed, many are already calling it the greatest of all time-and analysts expect the game will ultimately sell 18 million copies and ring
up nearly $1 billion in sales, of which 80% goes Take Two as gross revenue, with the remaining 20% going to retailers. But will it be enough for EA to raise its bid?
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