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Grand Theft Auto IV To Break Records

When it is released on April 29, GRAND THEFT AUTO IV is set to sell some six million units worldwide in one week, per VARIETY.

That means $400 million in sales for publisher Take-Two Interactive, who is releasing the Rockstar Games title. Not only will that break the record Microsoft's HALO 3 set in 2007 with a one-week gross of $300 million, it could be the biggest debut ever for an entertainment product.

Video game publishers can accurately predict early game sales based on how many units retailers order.

GTA IV has the potential to far outsell HALO 3 because of its availability on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 -- HALO 3 was an Xbox 360 exclusive.

Take-Two is not commenting, but media outlets are all hearing from sources to expect huge sales for GTA IV.

Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes told VARIETY he expects the game to do double what HALO 3 did, and GameStop senior VP of merchandising Bob McKenzie said the game is currently tracking slightly behind HALO 3.

GRAND THEFT AUTO has previously done very well in the U.S., Canada and Europe, but not as well in Asia.

Since GTA IV will cost $60, and the price of a movie ticket averages about $7 nationwide, comparisons to box office hauls are difficult. The largest box office opening ever is PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END, which grossed $404 million worldwide in its first six days out.

Take-Two is in the midst of fighting off a $2 billion takeover bid from Electronic Arts. They need GTA IV to have a huge opening to keep up their stock price and justify their advice that shareholders reject EA's proposal.

The current stock price is counting on huge sales for the game.

The last entry, GRAND THEFT AUTO: SAN ANDREAS has sold 21.5 million units to date.

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