LONDON -- Grand Theft Auto IV, the gangster-themed computer game that earned both critical acclaim and strong criticism, broke first day sales records in Britain, according to an industry body's initial estimates on Thursday.
The Entertainment Retailers Association, which represents 5,000 stores selling games, music and films, said the game -- published by Take-Two Interactive Software Inc -- sold about 609,000 copies on Tuesday.
That beats the previous record held by an earlier title in the same series, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which sold 501,000 copies on Oct. 29, 2004.
"The past 24 hours have been like it's Christmas all over again for our members," ERA director Kim Bayley said in a statement. "GTA IV is a phenomenon".
The game centers on an Eastern European immigrant who deals drugs, shoots police and beats up prostitutes after falling in with a crime syndicate.
Its release was one of the most hotly anticipated in the gaming world in years. Fans queued outside shops around the world to be the among the first to get a copy.
The Entertainment Retailers Association, which represents 5,000 stores selling games, music and films, said the game -- published by Take-Two Interactive Software Inc -- sold about 609,000 copies on Tuesday.
That beats the previous record held by an earlier title in the same series, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which sold 501,000 copies on Oct. 29, 2004.
"The past 24 hours have been like it's Christmas all over again for our members," ERA director Kim Bayley said in a statement. "GTA IV is a phenomenon".
The game centers on an Eastern European immigrant who deals drugs, shoots police and beats up prostitutes after falling in with a crime syndicate.
Its release was one of the most hotly anticipated in the gaming world in years. Fans queued outside shops around the world to be the among the first to get a copy.
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.