Remember how EA tried to buy Take-Two? And then tried again and again? Well, on the latest episode of Bonus Round with Geoff Keighley, infamous industry analyst Michael Pachter talked about possible effects of EA purchasing Take-Two after their recently updated bid. According to him, if EA is successful in merging with the company (thereby forming some Super Publisher), it’s very likely that EA will hold off on releasing Grand Theft Auto IV until later this year. Not only that, but they have an economic incentive to do so. Pachter believes that by delaying GTA4 all the way to the fourth quarter of the year (!!!), EA will make much more money on the title.
So why doesn’t Take-Two just wait until later this year to release Grand Theft Auto IV if it’s going to be far more profitable in the fourth quarter, then? Pachter further explained that Take-Two really needs to get the game out as soon as possible because their company desperately needs the money a title like GTA4 can provite instantly. "Take-Two, financially, has to get that game [GTA4] out … they need the money [now]. They need to get it out," he said. I’d also say the gamers really need this game out as soon as possible. All I know is that I’ll definitely be avoiding the internet for a few days if the game does indeed get delayed.
[Via Joystiq]
