Wired.com has a great and in-depth interview with Microsoft Game Studios CVP, Shane Kim. When asked how Microsoft would ramp up efforts to do battle with Sony in Europe, Kim had this to say:
“Making sure that we own the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV from a platform perspective is really important. So how do we work with our partners there?
I think it really is about marketing, right? We already own it, I believe, from a content standpoint, because we have the exclusive episodes. And so Xbox 360 is still going to have the ultimate experience for GTAIV. 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 — GTAIV, first time on our platforms, so that’s a great opportunity for us. We need to take advantage of it.”
For all intents and purposes we’ll leave it at that. But you should really give the interview a good once over. It’s rather informative and gives great insight into what the heads of game studios are constantly thinking about in terms of doing battle with other platforms.
It’s on like Donkey Kong!
Interview: Shane Kim Talks Xbox In 2008 [via CVG]
[Update]: Rockstar has updated the GTA IV site with new movies and pics. Check em out.