GTA IV hits $500m in first week

Take-Two has announced that its blockbuster title GTA IV hit the USD 500 million sales mark in its first week, breaking all previous entertainment launch records.

Rockstar's controversial game sold over six million units worldwide, of which 926,000 units were sold in the UK alone. On its first day GTA IV sold over three million units globally and earned approximately USD 310 million.

"We knew Grand Theft Auto IV would break new ground in terms of the player's experience, with its compelling story line, 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.

"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," Zelnick added.