GTA4 incredibly important for Xbox 360

Speaking to Wired’s Game Life blog, Microsoft Game Studios’ corporate vice president Shane Kim has explained the importance of Grand Theft Auto IV in the European video game market.

“Making sure that we own the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV from a platform perspective is really important,” said Kim.

“… we have the exclusive episodes. And so Xbox 360 is still going to have the ultimate experience for GTA4, but we have to make sure the customers know that. Because if you look back, again, to the role of GTAIII and what that played in terms of PS2’s development – in Europe as well, because it was huge in Europe – GTA4, first time on our platforms, so that’s a great opportunity for us. We need to take advantage of it,” Kim explained.

He does, however, accept that ensuring gamers opt for the superior experience on Xbox 360 will be an uphill task, with the franchise strongly associated with the PlayStation brand.

“Even though we’ve managed to do a good job in terms of getting the game day and date, people will still, if you just let things roll, associate Grand Theft Auto as a PlayStation franchise. Which means that we have to work really hard to make people understand that no, it’s not, and that you’ll actually get a greater experience on Xbox 360,” said Kim.

Grand Theft Auto IV is scheduled for release worldwide on April 29 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. For more on the game head over to our recent GTA4 blowout where you’ll find an in-depth preview, loads of screens and all the released trailers.

Also look out for an extended preview later this month when we get to go hands-on with the game for the first time.