Grand Theft Auto IV

LONDON - 7th May 2008 — Gamers have voted with their wallets, and the results are in. The Xbox 360™ version of “Grand Theft Auto IV” has sold more than 100,000 copies, or 20%, more than the PLAYSTATION 3 version in the UK since the game’s release last Tuesday, 29th April. The groundbreaking latest instalment in the Grand Theft Auto franchise from Rockstar Games offers seamless multiplayer enhanced by Xbox LIVE® plus exclusive downloadable episodes coming this Autumn, making Xbox 360 the best way to experience this historic milestone in gaming.

Data released by ELSPA/Chart-Track shows Xbox 360 Week One sales at 514,000 copies sold in the UK. PLAYSTATION 3 version of the game sold only 413,000 copies, clearly demonstrating that gamers prefer the Xbox 360 version. Xbox 360 console sales jumped 125% reflecting the popularity of this franchise on the platform. Initial feedback from retail in other European countries reflects this great performance across the region.

“Grand Theft Auto IV has done phenomenally well this week with Xbox 360 version outselling PS3 in our stores,” said Gerry Berkley, Trading Manager at Woolworths. “Xbox 360 console sales have seen a big uplift off the back of Grand Theft Auto IV launching. It’s clear our customers see Xbox 360 as a great console for this incredible game.”

Xbox LIVE data shows that consumers are embracing the smooth, seamless multiplayer that is possible on Xbox LIVE – “Grand Theft Auto IV” is now officially the most-played game on the service, which is the only console online service to offer voice and Achievements in all games. It’s also the only version of the game that renders Liberty City in all its 720p high-definition glory. Other data, as of 4th May:

• More than 9.7 million hours of “Grand Theft Auto IV” online multiplayer played over Xbox LIVE

• More than 31 million hours spent playing “Grand Theft Auto IV” overall

“In the past week since the release of ‘Grand Theft Auto IV’, the bar has been set even higher for what the growing entertainment medium of gaming can deliver in the way of immersive, living worlds and exciting social experiences,” said Chris Lewis, Vice President, Interactive Entertainment Business, Microsoft EMEA. “Today it has become clear that consumers are finding Xbox 360 the best way to experience Liberty City and we expect this trend to continue, especially with exclusive ‘Grand Theft Auto IV’ episodes coming to Xbox 360 in the Autumn. ‘Grand Theft Auto’ has a new home on Xbox 360, and consumers are discovering how our platform can enhance the experience like no other.”

“Grand Theft Auto IV” is the first instalment of the franchise to feature online multiplayer, available through Xbox LIVE. For a limited time, “Grand Theft Auto IV” on Xbox 360 will include a one-month Gold membership to Xbox LIVE, allowing everyone to jump in and hit the streets of Liberty City with the community of more than 10 million members worldwide, the largest of any console.

Following the story of Eastern European Niko Bellic, “Grand Theft Auto IV” is a powerful crime epic set in modern-day Liberty City, a world with an unparalleled combination of scale, depth and detail. Starting this Autumn, Rockstar will extend this world further with the release of Xbox 360 exclusive “Grand Theft Auto IV” episodes that will provide hours of additional game play.

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For more press information, please contact:

Kate Szlendak / 0118 909 5334 / i-kaszle@microsoft.com

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