Grand Theft Auto IV Sets First-Week Launch Record

It’s official: The release of Grand Theft Auto IV was the most successful entertainment product launch of all time.

The game sold over six million units worldwide during its first week of release, adding up to over $500 million in sales, according to MCV, with 3.6 million units sold in the first day alone, representing roughly $310 million. The game crushed first-week release numbers of hits like the Harry Potter movies, Halo 3 and the previous record-holder, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.

“We knew Grand Theft Auto IV would break new ground in terms of the player’s experience, with its compelling storyline, extraordinary gameplay and action that ranges over a broad urban canvas. Now, it has broken sales and rating records as well,” said Strauss Zelnick, chairman of Take-Two Interactive. “Grand Theft Auto IV’s first-week performance represents the largest launch in the history of interactive entertainment, and we believe these retail sales levels surpass any movie or music launch to date. We congratulate the entire Rockstar team on creating a must-have experience that takes the legendary Grand Theft Auto franchise to a new level.”

“Rockstar’s goal is to make each new title in the Grand Theft Auto franchise even better than those that preceded it,” added Take-Two CEO Ben Feder. “Grand Theft Auto IV makes full use of the power of next generation technology, and offers players an experience unique in the interactive entertainment medium. This game sets a new standard in the industry, with critics hailing it as both an artistic and technological masterpiece.”