Will GTA IV's massive delays kill off ailing games publishers? That's the question MSNBC has posed in a recent analysis of the roller coaster that the games industry rides:
The much-anticipated title, along with Electronic Arts' "Madden 08" and Bungie's "Halo 3," was expected to account for one-third of all game sales this holiday season. And Sony and Microsoft were both counting on "GTA IV" to help sell PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles.
The answer, however, is no. While certain titles may garner the attentions of millions of fans, and may pad the pockets of the top brass, publishers like Sony and Microsoft won't rely upon one brand to see their heads above water. It bodes less well for Rockstar and Take-Two, whose recent bad publicity surrounding gorefest Manhunt 2 and the controversies rocking the executive cabins, require a stellar product to see them through the tough times.
