GTA V - Rumours and Predictions
Rockstar Games has teased the inevitable Grand Theft Auto V, a game that has received extensive coverage for a number of years, despite its unannounced status.
For a game that essentially hasn't even existed in the eyes of the public it's been quite heavily publicised, mostly made up of predictions and rumours, many of which were centered around launch dates that have subsequently -- and not surprisingly -- come and gone.
2009
"GTA completed by 2010".
On August 17, 2009, controversial videogame industry analyst Michael Pachter predicted that Grand Theft Auto V would "be completed by some time in 2010". Although that probably isn't that bad a prediction considering the "frequency of game delays", as he put it.
2010
"GTA V set for Hollywood"
Almost a year later on July 27, 2010, a small rumour appeared, suggesting that GTA V would be set in Hollywood, which was being scouted by Rockstar Games.
"GTA V well intro development"
Having missed the first prediction deadline, Michael Pachter was at it again on December 21, 2010, stating in a research note that "released by Q4:12 at the latest, as the company's contracts with the three employees most instrumental in the game's development expire in January 2012."
2011
GTA V a Wii 2 launch title?
Leading into E3 Expo 2011 in Los Angeles, a rumour began circling on April 19, 2011, suggesting that GTA V was set to be a launch title for the strongly rumoured Wii 2 (with Wii U, the Wii's successor, officially revealed during Nintendo's E3 press conference).
Game retail giant predicts GTA V release
North American videogame retail giant Gamespot predicted on April 20, 2011, would be released on January 15, 2012, a release date that surely will not be met considering the release of Max Payne 3 set for March 2012.
LA Noire tech in GTA V?
Following the successful but controversial release of L.A. Noire, word surfaced that the acclaimed face recognition technology used in the game would also be used in GTA V.
GTA V far off
Cowen & Company analyst Doug Creutz decided to add his own GTA V release prediction, suggesting in an investors note what "we will not see the next Grand Theft Auto title until (at least) holiday 2012".
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