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{{Infobox video game
| title = Grand Theft Auto IV
| image = ]
| developer = ]{{efn|Additional work by ], ] and ]; ] ported the game to Windows.<ref>{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=], ] and ] |version=1.0 |level=Credits}}</ref>}}
| publisher = ]{{efn|''Grand Theft Auto IV'' was published in Japan by ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/195365/capcom-takes-gta-iv-to-japan/ |title=Capcom takes GTA IV to Japan |last=Robinson |first=Andy |work=] |publisher=] |date=16 August 2008 |accessdate=3 December 2014 }}</ref>}}
| distributor = ]
| producer = ]
| programmer = Adam Fowler,<br />Alexander Roger,<br />Obbe Vermeij
| artist = Aaron Garbut
| writer = ],<br />Rupert Humphries
| series = '']''
| engine = ], with ] and ]
| platforms = ]<br>]<br>]
| released = '''PlayStation 3''' & '''Xbox 360'''<br>29 April 2008{{efn|''Grand Theft Auto IV'' was released in Japan on 30 October 2008.<ref>{{cite press release |author=] |title=Rockstar Games Grand Theft Auto IV Japan Release Date |url=http://www.gta4.net/news/4120/release-date-for-japanese-version-announced/ |location=] |publisher=] |date=15 August 2008 |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZjbrfZn |archivedate=14 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>}}<br />'''Microsoft Windows'''<br>{{vgrelease new|v=2|NA|2 December 2008}}{{vgrelease new|v=2|PAL|3 December 2008}}
| genre = ]
| modes = ], ]
| media = ], ]
}}
'''''Grand Theft Auto IV'''''<!-- Please don't add the abbreviation "GTA IV" here as it isn't used throughout the article and therefore isn't needed --> is an ] ] ] developed by ] and published by ]. It was released on 29 April 2008 for the ] and ] consoles, and on 2 December 2008 on ]. It is the eleventh title in the ], and the first main entry since 2004's '']''. Set within the fictional ] (based on ]), the ] story follows a war veteran, ] and his attempts to escape his past while under pressure from loan sharks and mob bosses. The open world design lets players freely roam Liberty City, consisting of three main islands.

The game is played from a ] and its world is navigated on-foot or by vehicle. Throughout the single player mode, players play as Niko Bellic. An ] mode is included with the game, allowing up to 32 players to engage in both co-operative and competitive gameplay in a recreation of the single-player setting.{{efn|name="MultiPC"|The ] mode for the Windows version of the game allows up to 32 players, while the console versions only allow up to 16 players.<ref name="GameSpot PC Review"/>}} Two ]s were later released as ] for the game, '']'' and '']'', which both feature new plots that are interconnected with the main ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' storyline, and follow new protagonists.

Development began in 2004, soon after the release of ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas''. As part of their research for the open world, the developers conducted field research around New York throughout development and captured footage for the design team. Development duties were shared between many of Rockstar's studios worldwide.

Following its announcement in May 2006, ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' was widely anticipated.<ref name="Anticipated"/> Upon release, the game received universal critical acclaim, with praise particularly directed at the game's narrative and open world design. The game also ], with criticism directed at the game's depiction of violence and ability to ]. ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' broke industry sales records and became the fastest-selling entertainment product in history at the time, earning US $310 million in its first day and US $500 million in its first week. Considered one of the most significant titles of the ] of video games, and by many critics as one of the ], it won year-end accolades, including ] awards from several ]. Its successor, '']'', was released in September 2013.

== Gameplay ==
''Grand Theft Auto IV'' is an ] played from a ].<ref>Marbles, Mr. "Wanted" in Gamepro Magazine p. 52 (October 2007)</ref> Players complete missions—linear scenarios with set objectives—to progress through the story. It is possible to have several active missions running at one time, as some missions require players to wait for further instructions or events. Outside of missions, players can ] the game's ], and have the ability to complete optional side missions. Composed of the fictional city of ], the world of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' is larger in area than most earlier entries in the series. At the beginning of the game, players can only explore the first island–composed of Dukes and Broker–with all other islands unlocking as the story progresses.<ref name="The Cousins Bellic"/>

Players use ] attacks, firearms and explosives to fight enemies, and may run, jump, swim or use vehicles to navigate the game's world. There is a ] option when using vehicles. In combat, ] and a ] can be used as assistance against enemies. Should players take damage, their health meter can be fully regenerated using multiple techniques, such as eating, using medical kits, or calling for paramedics.<ref name="UK Hands-On">{{cite web | url=http://ign.com/articles/2008/02/28/grand-theft-auto-iv-uk-hands-on-2 | title=Grand Theft Auto IV UK Hands-On | publisher=]. ] | date=28 February 2008 | accessdate=4 March 2008 | last=Robinson | first=Martin}}</ref> If players commit crimes while playing, the game's law enforcement agencies may respond as indicated by a "]" meter in the ] (HUD). On the meter, the displayed stars indicate the current wanted level (for example, at the maximum six-star level, efforts by law enforcement to incapacitate players become very aggressive). Law enforcement officers will search for players who leave the wanted vicinity. The wanted meter enters a cooldown mode and eventually recedes when players are hidden from the officers' line of sight.<ref name="cundy">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/how-gta-iv-will-reshape-the-series/ |title=How GTA IV will reshape the series |accessdate=26 July 2007|last=Cundy|first=Matt|date=26 July 2007|publisher=GamesRadar}}</ref>

].|alt=The player character positioned in cover behind a vehicle, preparing to shoot at police officers on the other side of the vehicle.]]
The game's cover system allows players to deftly move between cover, to ], aim freely, and target a specific enemy. Individual body parts can also be targeted.<ref name="IGNprev">{{cite web|url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2008/02/28/grand-theft-auto-iv-hands-on-2?page=2 |title=Grand Theft Auto IV hands-on preview |last1=Greg |first1=Miller |last2=Goldstein |first2=Hilary |date=1 March 2008 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> Melee attacks include additional moves, such as dodging, blocking, disarming an opponent and counter-attacking. ] can be used to absorb gunshots and explosive damage, but is used up in the process. When health is entirely depleted, gameplay stops, and players ] at the nearest hospital.<ref name="UK Hands-On">{{cite web | url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2008/02/28/grand-theft-auto-iv-uk-hands-on-2 | title=Grand Theft Auto IV UK Hands-On | publisher=IGN | date=28 February 2008 | accessdate=4 March 2008 | last=Robinson | first=Martin}}</ref>

The game's single-player mode lets players control a former veteran – ]an ]. During the story, Niko meets various new characters, many of which he befriends. These characters can then perform favours for Niko whenever he asks; for example, his cousin ], who owns a taxi service, can send one of his ]s to Niko and take him to any destination around the city. Cabs are always available during gameplay, allowing players to quickly travel to a destination. Throughout the course of the game, players are also faced with ] choices, which alter the storyline appropriately depending on the player's choice. While free roaming the game world, players may engage in context-specific activities such as ] or ]. Other available activities include a ] minigame, and in-game television programming.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/01/23/grand-theft-auto-iv-update |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Update |last=Roper |first=Chris |publisher=]. ] |date=23 January 2008 |accessdate=23 February 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/grand_theft_auto_4/review-3.html |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Review for Xbox 360 |page=3 |last=Orry |first=Tom |publisher=] |date=28 April 2008 |accessdate=17 November 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2008/04/watching-tv-and/ |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Shifts Into Media Overdrive |last=Baker |first=Chris |publisher='']'' |date=28 April 2008 |accessdate=17 November 2013 }}</ref> Niko has a ] for contacting friends and starting activities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insideline.com/car-news/grand-theft-auto-iv-and-gran-turismo-5-look-to-redefine-virtual-racing-and-felonies.html|title=Grand Theft Auto IV and Gran Turismo 5 Look To Redefine Virtual Racing&nbsp;– and Felonies|last=Tassi|first=Paul |date=19 March 2008 |publisher=Edmunds Insideline|accessdate=13 October 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713041322/http://www.insideline.com/car-news/grand-theft-auto-iv-and-gran-turismo-5-look-to-redefine-virtual-racing-and-felonies.html |archivedate=13 July 2011 }}</ref> The smartphone is also used to access the game's online multiplayer mode, and to enter ].<ref name="c&c">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/cheats/games/grand-theft-auto-iv-xbox-360-827005|title=Grand Theft Auto IV Cheats & Codes|last=]. ] |first=Games|date=29 April 2008 |publisher=IGN|accessdate=24 August 2013}}</ref> To access the in-game Internet, which allows Niko to send and receive emails and set up prospective ] with potential girlfriends, Niko can use ]s located around the city.<ref>{{cite web|date=30 January 2008|url= http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1070140|archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20100607101159/http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1070140|archivedate= 7 June 2010|title='Grand Theft Auto IV' Preview: Rockstar Games' latest adds drunk driving, strip clubs| accessdate=30 January 2008}}</ref> The game also features a ], allowing players to quickly traverse through the game world.<ref name="gtaiv"/>

{{anchor|Multiplayer}}
The online multiplayer mode for ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' allows up to 32 players to freely roam across a recreation of the single-player world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamingexcellence.com/news/coverage-of-the-playstation-holiday-preview-event |title=Coverage of the PlayStation Holiday Preview Event |last=Poulin |first=Rick |publisher=GamingExcellence |date=12 October 2007 |accessdate=27 September 2013 }}</ref>{{efn|name="MultiPC"}} Players decide which game mode that they wish to play, including ]es and street races.<ref name="gta4multi-grad">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/grand-theft-auto-iv/preview/grand-theft-auto-iv-multiplayer-hands-on/a-200804085550713049/g-2006051014323586065|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080706093747/http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/grand-theft-auto-iv/preview/grand-theft-auto-iv-multiplayer-hands-on/a-200804085550713049/g-2006051014323586065|archivedate=6 July 2008|title=Grand Theft Auto IV&nbsp;– Multiplayer Hands-On |last=Reparaz|first=Mikel |date=8 April 2008|publisher=]| page=6|accessdate=25 September 2008}}</ref> Both ] and competitive game modes are available. These game modes are split into ranked and unranked matches. For players to level up through ranks, in-game money must be earned.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox360achievements.org/forum/showthread.php?t=70194 |title=GTA IV Multiplayer Ranks |publisher=Xbox360Achievements.org |accessdate=25 September 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Grand Theft Auto IV Multiplayer Hands-On (PS3, Xbox 360) |publisher=] |date=8 April 2008 |accessdate=15 May 2008 |url=http://psp3d.com/games/15078-grand-theft-auto-iv-multiplayer-hands-playstation-3-xbox-360-gametap.html |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110510020540/http://psp3d.com/games/15078-grand-theft-auto-iv-multiplayer-hands-playstation-3-xbox-360-gametap.html |archivedate=10 May 2011}}</ref> The game also features a Free Mode, in which players have the entire map open to explore, with no end goal or mission to complete. Hosts of the game can control many variables, such as police presence, traffic, and weapons. ] support is available in the Windows version of the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2008/04/22/%E2%80%98grand-theft-auto-iv%E2%80%99-does-not-have-lan-or-single-screen-multiplayer-either-public-service-announcement-2/|title='Grand Theft Auto IV' Does Not Have LAN Or Single-Screen Multiplayer Either (Public Service Announcement #2)|last=Totilo |first=Stephen |date=22 April 2008|publisher=MTV Multiplayer|accessdate=13 October 2008}}</ref>

== Synopsis ==
=== Setting ===
''Grand Theft Auto IV'' takes place in 2008, in a redesigned version of ] consisting of four boroughs, based on four of the boroughs of New York City: Broker (based on ]), Dukes (]), Bohan (]), and Algonquin (]).<ref name="Liberty NY" >{{cite news |url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1955256/Grand-Theft-Auto-IV-Photos-reveal-similarities-between-Liberty-City-and-New-York-City.html |title = Grand Theft Auto IV: Photos reveal similarities between Liberty City and New York City |accessdate = 12 November 2008 |author = Moore, Matthew |date = 14 May 2008 |publisher='']'' | location=London}}</ref> Adjacent to the city is the independent state of ''Alderney'' (Northern ]). There are three minor islands present in the game: Charge Island (]), Colony Island (]), and Happiness Island (]). Initially, bridges are locked down due to a terrorist threat, and players are constantly pursued by police if the bridges are crossed, but the blockades are lifted as the story progresses, allowing the player to traverse between islands.<ref name="The Cousins Bellic">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="The Cousins Bellic" |quote=''']''': Why don't you show me around the city? ... ''']''': Terrorists. There's been a big scare and you can't go across the bridges so good. }}</ref> ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' takes place in a different storyline and timeline from the previous games in the ].<ref name="hduniverse">{{cite news|url=http://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2012/nov/09/grand-theft-auto-5-details|title=Grand Theft Auto 5: three lead characters, one huge map|last=Stuart|first=Keith|date=9 November 2012|work=]|accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> However, the game takes place in the same ] as its expansion packs, '']'' and '']'', and its successor, '']''.<ref name="cvgGTA5canon">{{cite news |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/377653/gta-v-full-details-bank-heists-dynamic-missions-and-underwater-gameplay/|title=News: GTA V full details: Bank heists, dynamic missions and underwater gameplay |last=Hussain |first=Tamoor |work=] |publisher=] |date=9 November 2012 |accessdate=1 November 2013 }}</ref>{{efn|Games in the ''Grand Theft Auto'' series are grouped into distinct ]s, which share interconnected plots and characters. The previous "3D universe" consists of '']'' (2001), '']'' (2002), '']'' (2004), '']'' (2004), '']'' (2005), and '']'' (2006). The Liberty City in ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' is different from its previous renditions.<ref name="RockstarGTAUniverses">{{cite web|url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/19861/grand-theft-auto-iii-your-questions-answered-part-one-claude-dar.html|title=Grand Theft Auto III: Your Questions Answered – Part One (Claude, Darkel & Other Characters) |author=R*Q |publisher=] |accessdate=23 November 2013}} '''Rockstar:''' "The “universes” are the worlds interpreted at different definitions, 2d, 3d and high definition, so we felt brands and radio / back ground characters would exist in both, but 3 dimensional characters would not."</ref>}}

=== Plot ===
{{See also|List of Grand Theft Auto IV characters}}
Following his cousin ]'s request, ], an ]an,<ref name="egmmarch">{{cite journal | author = Crispin Boyer |date=March 2008 | title = Sweet Land of Liberty | journal = Electronic Gaming Monthly | pages = 44–56 }} ''']''': "He's from that gray part of broken-down Eastern Europe, a war-torn area."</ref> comes to Liberty City to pursue the ], and to search for the man who betrayed his unit in a war fifteen years prior. Upon arrival, however, Niko discovers that Roman's tales of riches and luxury were lies concealing struggles with gambling debts and loan sharks, and that Roman lives in a dirty apartment rather than a mansion.<ref name="The Cousins Bellic"/>

Niko defends Roman from his loan sharks several times, eventually killing ], Roman's Russian loan shark. Niko was forced to work for Vlad to settle Roman's debts but ended up killing him after learning that that he had slept with Roman's girlfriend, Mallorie.<ref name="Uncle Vlad"/> After Vlad's murder, Niko and Roman are kidnapped by members of the Liberty City ] on order of ] and his associate, ]. Faustin, not bothered by the murder of Vlad, hires Niko.<ref name="Crime and Punishment"/> Niko quickly learns that Faustin is a psychopath when he orders him to kill the son of Kenny Petrović, the most powerful man in the Liberty City Bratva. After the Petrović family threatens retaliation, Dimitri orders Niko to assassinate Faustin.<ref name="The Master and the Molotov"/> When Niko meets with Dimitri to collect on the assassination, Dimitri brings Niko's former employer Ray Bulgarin instead, the latter accusing Niko of stealing from him a few years earlier. When Niko truthfully denies the allegation, a firefight ensues, allowing Dimitri and Bulgarin to escape.<ref name="Russian Revolution"/>

Immediately afterwards, Niko and Roman are forced to escape to Bohan when their apartment and taxi company are destroyed in arson attacks by Dimitri's men.<ref name="Roman's Sorrow"/> However, things go poorly as well in Bohan: Dimitri's men kidnap Roman in a failed bid to ambush and kill Niko, who rescues Roman.<ref name="Hostile Negotiation"/> Furthermore, Niko's girlfriend ] reveals that she works for a government agency and ] Niko into working for her agency, known only by its cover: ].<ref name="The Snow Storm"/> Niko kills several known or suspected terrorists for the agency in exchange for the file of the numerous crimes the police have on him and the promise of assistance in finding the traitor of his unit.<ref name="Wrong is Right"/><ref name="Portrait of a Killer"/><ref name="Paper Trail"/>

Eventually, United Liberty Paper tracks down the man responsible for Niko's unit's betrayal, ], and brings him into Liberty City. Niko confronts Darko and decides his fate.<ref name="That Special Someone"/> Having dealt with his past, Niko is summoned by one of his employers, ], who demands one final favour: to help with an extremely lucrative deal on heroin in collusion with Dimitri Rascalov.<ref name="One Last Thing"/>

At this point, Niko is faced with two choices: strike a deal with Dimitri, or exact revenge on him.<ref name="One Last Thing"/> Should Niko go through with the deal, Dimitri sets up Niko by taking the heroin for himself.<ref name="If the Price is Right"/> At Roman's wedding, an assassin sent by Dimitri kills Roman with a stray bullet as Niko disarms and kills him.<ref name="Mr and Mrs Bellic"/> A devastated and vengeful Niko later tracks down, chases, and kills Dimitri, but not before witnessing Dimitri executing Pegorino.<ref name="The Revenger's Tragedy"/> Should Niko choose to exact revenge, Niko ambushes and executes Dimitri.<ref name="A Dish Served Cold"/> At Roman's wedding, Pegorino, furious after Niko's betrayal, commits a ]. He targets Niko, but ends up killing Niko's girlfriend, ].<ref name="Mr and Mrs Bellic"/> Niko soon tracks down, chases, and kills Pegorino, who had become hated and targeted by the entire Liberty City underworld.<ref name="Out of Commission"/>

== Production ==
=== Development ===
{{See also|Marketing for Grand Theft Auto IV}}

] ad for the game on a wall in New York City, July 2007.]]
Work on ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' began in November 2004, almost immediately after the release of '']'' (2004).<ref name="OPM UK June 2007">{{cite journal | title = GTA Gets Real | journal = ] | issue = 6 | pages = 54–67 | publisher = ] | location = United Kingdom |date=June 2007}}</ref> Around 150 game developers worked on ''Grand Theft Auto IV'',<ref>{{cite news|last=Rosmarin|first=Rachel| title=Take-Two Takes A Hit |publisher='']'' |date=12 November 2006|url= http://www.forbes.com/2006/12/11/games-gta-options-tech-enter-cx_rr_1211taketwo.html|accessdate =24 September 2007}}</ref> led by core members of the team that previously worked on '']'' (2001).<ref name="fritz">{{cite news |url = http://weblogs.variety.com/the_cut_scene/2008/04/dan-housers-ver.html |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20100206095732/http://weblogs.variety.com/the_cut_scene/2008/04/dan-housers-ver.html |archivedate = 6 February 2010 |title = Dan Houser's very extended interview about everything "Grand Theft Auto IV" and Rockstar |accessdate = 28 April 2008 |author = Fritz, Ben |date = 19 April 2008 |publisher = '']'' }}</ref> For the game, Rockstar used their proprietary ] (RAGE), which was previously used in '']'' (2006), in combination with the ] game animation engine.<ref name="RAGE Euphoria">{{cite web| last = Boyer| first = Brandon| title = Product: Grand Theft Auto IV Using NaturalMotion's Euphoria |work = ]| publisher = CMP Game Group | date = 29 June 2007| url = http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=14526| accessdate = 3 April 2008}}</ref> Instead of pre-written animations, Euphoria uses ] to control the way the player moves, enabling character movements to be more realistic.<ref name="euphoria">{{cite web|url=http://www.gta4.net/news/3897/grand-theft-auto-iv-trailer-2-launched/|title=Grand Theft Auto Trailer 2 Launched!|work=GTA4.net|date=28 June 2007 |accessdate=27 September 2013 }}</ref> The Euphoria engine also enables ] to react in a realistic way to the player's actions. In one preview, a player knocked an NPC out of a window and the character grabbed onto a ledge to stop himself from falling.<ref name="teamxbox">{{cite web|url=http://previews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1887/Grand-Theft-Auto-IV/p3/|title=Grand Theft Auto IV Hands-On Preview (Xbox 360) |last=Eddy |first=Andy |date=28 February 2008 |accessdate=27 September 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302204120/http://previews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1887/Grand-Theft-Auto-IV/p3/ |archivedate=2 March 2008 }}</ref> The game also uses middleware from ] to facilitate intricate facial expressions and ease the process of incorporating lip-synching.<ref name="makingof">{{cite web|url = http://www.edge-online.com/features/making-grand-theft-auto-iv/ |title = The Making Of: Grand Theft Auto IV |accessdate = 13 April 2008 |date = 17 March 2008 |publisher = '']'' }}</ref> Foliage in the game is produced through ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://speedtree.22slides.com/games |title=Games – SpeedTree Gallery |publisher=] |accessdate=7 December 2014 }}</ref>

''Grand Theft Auto IV'' sees a shift in the series to a more realistic and detailed style and tone,<ref name="OPM UK June 2007" /> partly a result of the transition to consoles which offered ] graphics and the new and improved capabilities of such consoles.<ref name="fritz" /> Rockstar co-founder ] said "what we're taking as our watchword on is the idea of what high definition actually means. Not just in terms of graphics, which obviously we are achieving, but in terms of all aspects of the design. You know, trying to make something more realistic, more held together, but still retaining the overall coherence that the other games had."<ref name="OPM UK June 2007" /> Art director Aaron Garbut said one of the reasons they decided to set the game in New York because "we all knew what an amazing, diverse, vibrant, cinematic city it is," and since they were hoping the push the "detail, variety and life" to a high level, it seemed that "basing the game in a city so synonymous with these things was a great fit."<ref name="ign">{{cite web|url = http://ign.com/articles/2008/03/29/gta-iv-building-a-brave-new-world |title = GTA IV: Building a Brave New World |accessdate = 28 April 2008 |last=Goldstein |first=Hilary |date = 28 March 2008 |publisher = IGN }}</ref> Dan Houser added "because we were working in high definition and we knew we'd need a shitload of research, we wanted to be somewhere where we had a foothold."<ref name="fritz" /> The developers consciously avoided creating a block for block recreation of New York City, Dan Houser said "what we've always tried to do is make a thing that looks real and has the qualities of a real environment, but is also fun from a game design perspective."<ref name="OPM UK June 2007" /> The ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' rendition of Liberty City is far more detailed and larger in size than most earlier entries in the series<ref name="slab">{{cite web|url=http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/news/200705/101_p1.asp|title=Welcome to Grand Theft Auto IV| author=Doree, Adam|work=]|date=25 May 2007 |accessdate=27 September 2013 }}</ref> Although smaller than San Andreas, the main setting for ''Grand Theft Auto IV'''s predecessor '']'', Liberty City is comparable to it in terms of scope when "the level of verticality of the city, the number of buildings you can go into, and the level of detail in those buildings" are taken into account.<ref name="slab" /> The goal for Liberty City was to have no dead spots or irrelevant spaces, such as the wide open deserts in San Andreas.<ref name="OPM UK June 2007" /> To achieve a realistic environment, the Rockstar North team, based in ], Scotland, made two trips to New York for research, one at the start of the project (which was done with every previous ''Grand Theft Auto'' game) and another smaller one further into development.<ref name="ign" /> A full-time research team, based in New York, handled further requests for information ranging from the ethnic minority of a neighbourhood to videos of traffic patterns.<ref name="fritz" />

The story of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' was written by Dan Houser and Rupert Humphries.<ref name="gtaiv">{{cite video game | title = Grand Theft Auto IV | developer = ] | publisher = ] | date = 29 April 2008 }}</ref> Unlike previous ''Grand Theft Auto'' games which have a strong cultural or cinematic influence, " really have any cinematic influences",<ref name="OPM UK June 2007" /> as explained by Houser. "We were consciously trying to go, well, if video games are going to develop into the next stage, then the thing isn't to try and do a loving tribute or reference other stuff. It's to reference the actual place itself".<ref name="fritz" /> Houser also said, "In terms of the character, we wanted something that felt fresh and new and not something that was obviously derived from movie. Maybe could do something ourselves that would live alongside that stuff".<ref name="fritz" />

Music supervisor Ivan Pavlovich said " to pick the songs that make New York today what it is, but make sure they won't feel dated by the time the game comes out."<ref>{{cite news |url = http://variety.com/2008/digital/news/grand-theft-music-a-phone-call-away-1117984286/ |title = 'Grand Theft' music a phone call away |accessdate = 18 May 2008 |last=Fritz |first=Ben |date = 18 April 2008 |publisher = '']'' }}</ref> The developers contacted over 2,000 people in order to obtain recording and publishing rights.<ref name="musicman">{{cite web|url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586708/20080501/id_0.jhtml |title = 'Grand Theft Auto IV' Music Man Explains How Those 214 Songs Made The Soundtrack |accessdate = 18 May 2008 |last=Totilo |first=Stephen |date = 2 May 2008 |publisher = MTV News }}</ref> They even hired a private investigator to locate the relatives of late Skatt Bros. member ] to license the band's song, "Walk the Night".<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/05/05/us-grandtheft-idUSN0430077120080505 |title = "Grand Theft Auto" simplifies song purchasing |accessdate = 18 May 2008 |last=Bruno |first=Antony |date = 5 May 2008 |publisher = '']'' }}</ref> Citing sources close to the deals, '']'' reported that Rockstar paid as much as $5,000 per composition and another $5,000 per master recording per track.<ref name="crimepays">{{cite news |url = http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/04/26/us-grandtheft-idUSN2540948020080426 |title = Crime pays for music biz with new Grand Theft Auto |accessdate = 18 May 2008 |last=Bruno |first=Antony |date = 26 April 2008 |publisher = '']'' }}</ref> Developers originally considered letting players purchase music by going to an in-game ] and for Niko to have an ], but both ideas were cut.<ref name="musicman" /> ] produced tracks exclusively for the game's hip-hop radio station The Beat 102.7.<ref name="crimepays" /> Record label owner and record producer Bobby Konders, who hosts the in-game radio station Massive B Soundsystem 96.9, went through the extra effort of flying to ] to get ] artists to re-record tracks to make references to the boroughs of Liberty City.<ref name="crimepays" />

The Corporate Vice-President of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business division, ], announced at E3 2006 that the game would appear on ], by rolling up his sleeve to reveal a ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' temporary tattoo.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2006/05/09/e3-2006-grand-theft-auto-iv-announced |title=E3 2006: Grand Theft Auto IV Announced |last=Sanders |first=Kathleen |publisher=]. ] |date=9 May 2006 |accessdate=8 December 2014 }}</ref> Rockstar Games initially appeared to be committed to the original 16 October 2007 release date; however, Wedbush Morgan analyst ] suggested that Take-Two may choose to delay the release of the game in order to boost its financial results for 2008 and to avoid competing with the release of other highly anticipated titles, such as '']''.<ref>{{cite web|last= Gibson|first=Ellie|date=4 June 2007|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/pachter-predicts-delay-for-gta-iv|title=Pachter predicts delay for GTA IV|publisher=]|accessdate=5 April 2007}}</ref> Rockstar responded by saying that ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' was still on track for release in "late October".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/news/200706/004.asp |title=Rockstar Dimisses Talk of GTA IV Delay |last=Wollenschlaeger |first=Alex |publisher=''Kikizo'' |date=4 June 2007 |accessdate=7 June 2007 }}</ref> On 2 August 2007, Take-Two announced that ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' would miss its original release date of 16 October 2007 contrary to their previous statements, and would be delayed to their second fiscal quarter (February–April) of 2008.<ref name="ttpress">{{cite press release |title=Launch of Grand Theft Auto IV Now Planned for Fiscal 2008 |publisher=] |date=2 August 2007 |url=http://ir.take2games.com/External.File?t=2&item=g7rqBLVLuv81UAmrh20Mp/u4L3W2FHQzV8W%20X201IQFocoNVSFW9tkIaVK0BgSX6bOSJ65iqAfU3QDZOLsTijA== |accessdate=2 August 2007 }}</ref> In a later conference call with investors, Take-Two's Strauss Zelnick attributed the delay to "almost strictly technological problems ... not problems, but challenges."<ref>{{cite web|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|title=Take-Two Execs Explain GTA IV Delay |publisher=Kotaku |date=2 August 2007 |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2007/08/taketwo_interactive_taketwo_ex/ |accessdate=2 August 2007 }}</ref> It was later revealed that technical difficulties with the ] version of the game contributed to the delay, along with storage problems on the Xbox 360.<ref name="MTV">{{cite press release|title=Grand Theft Auto IV Developer Announces Release Date, Says Whether There Will Be Another Hot Coffee|last=Totilo |first=Stephen |publisher=MTV|date=24 January 2008 |accessdate=27 September 2013 |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1580161/20080123/index.jhtml}}</ref> On 24 January 2008, Take-Two announced that ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' would be released on 29 April 2008.<ref name="ReleaseDate" /> As the release date approached, Rockstar Games and Take-Two ] heavily through various forms, including television ads, Internet video, billboards, viral marketing, and a redesigned website. A special edition of the game was also released for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2007/06/27/grand-theft-auto-iv-special-edition-contents-revealed |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Special Edition Contents Revealed |last=Ring |first=Bennett |publisher=IGN |date=26 June 2007 |accessdate=27 September 2013 }}</ref> At a Take-Two shareholder meeting on 18 April 2008, Take-Two CEO Ben Feder announced that ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' had already "]" and was "in production and in trucks en route to retailers".<ref name="gold">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-iv-golden-already-in-transit/1100-6189477/ |title=Grand Theft Auto IV golden, already in transit |last=Magrino |first=Tom |date=18 April 2008 |accessdate=27 September 2013 }}</ref> The game was eventually released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 video game consoles in Europe, North America, and Oceania on 29 April 2008,<ref name="ReleaseDate">{{cite web|url=http://ir.take2games.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=86428&p=irol-newsArticle_print&ID=1099620&highlight= |title=Take-Two Interactive Software&nbsp;— Investor Relations&nbsp;— Take-Two News Release |publisher=] |accessdate=22 October 2010}}</ref> and in Japan on 30 October 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://kotaku.com/5037364/gtaiv-dated-for-japan|title=GTAIV Dated for Japan|last=Ashcraft|first=Brian |date=15 August 2008|publisher= Kotaku|accessdate=7 November 2008}}</ref> Overall, ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' took over 1000 people and more than three and a half years to complete, with a total cost estimated at approximately $100 million, making it, at the time, the most expensive video game ever developed<ref name="cost">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gta-iv-most-expensive-game-ever-developed|title=GTA IV: Most Expensive Game Ever Developed?|last=Androvich |first=Mark |date=30 April 2008|accessdate=1 May 2008|publisher=]}}</ref>

]

On 6 August 2008, Rockstar announced that a ] version of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' was in development by ] and ].<ref name="gta4pchan-IGNUK">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2008/10/30/grand-theft-auto-iv-uk-hands-on|title=Grand Theft Auto IV UK Hands-on|last=Robinson|first=Martin |date=30 October 2008 |publisher=IGN |accessdate=30 October 2008}}</ref><ref name="PCRelease-Take2">{{cite press release|url=http://ir.take2games.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=86428&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1487915|title=Rockstar Games Announces Grand Theft Auto IV for the PC|publisher=]|date=6 August 2008|accessdate=6 August 2008}}</ref> The game was originally announced for release in North America on 18 November 2008 and in Europe on 21 November 2008 but was later pushed back to 2 and 3 December 2008, respectively.<ref name="PCRelease-Take2" /> It contains expanded features,<ref name="PCRelease-Take2"/> including traffic density control, ] configurations and a replay editor.<ref name="PC features"/> The replay editor allows players to record and edit game clips, videos can then be uploaded to Rockstar's Social Club website. It utilised ] for online play<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2008/09/22/gfw-celebrates-two-year-anniversary |title=GFW Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary |last=Thang |first=Jimmy |publisher=]. ] |date=22 September 2008 |accessdate=22 September 2008}}</ref> and supports 32 players for multiplayer.<ref name="GameSpot PC Review"/> ] protection is utilised and a one time online activation is required in order to play the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2008/11/28/rockstar-talks-gta-iv-pc-drm?page=2 |title=Rockstar Talks GTA IV PC DRM |page=2 |author=IGN Staff |publisher=]. ] |date=28 November 2008 |accessdate=30 November 2008}}</ref> The game was made available on ] on 4 January 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.steampowered.com/news/1395 |title=Rockstar Games Brings Full Line-up to Steam |author=] |publisher=] |date=4 January 2008 |accessdate=22 October 2010}}</ref>

=== {{anchor|Downloadable content}} Episodic content ===
{{Main|Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City}}
Two ] for ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' have been released. These two episodes were first released separately, exclusively on ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5154447/grand-theft-auto-iv-the-lost-and-damned-review |title=Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost And Damned Review |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |publisher=Kotaku |date=17 February 2009 |accessdate=26 September 2013 }}</ref> as ] (DLC), requiring the original game to play. They were later released together as part of a standalone game, titled '']'', which does not require the original game to play.<ref name="announce gay tony"/> Dan Houser stated the episodes shows "a different side of Liberty City".<ref name="gta4dlc">{{cite news |url = http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2008-11-19-gta-damned_N.htm |title = 'Grand Theft Auto' yields road to the 'Lost and Damned' |accessdate = 20 November 2008 |date = 20 November 2008 |publisher='']'' |first=Mike |last=Snider }}</ref>

The first expansion, titled '']'', was originally released on 17 February 2009.<ref>{{cite web| last = Bramwell| first = Tom| title = Rockstar prices GTAIV: Lost and Damned | publisher = ] | date = 22 January 2009| url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/rockstar-prices-gtaiv-the-lost-and-damned| accessdate = 22 January 2009 }}</ref> The protagonist of ''The Lost and Damned'' is ], a member of Liberty City's biker gang The Lost. The second expansion, titled '']'', was released on 29 October 2009.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gibson |first=Ellie |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/new-gtaiv-dlc-gets-release-date |title=New GTAIV DLC gets release date Xbox 360 News&nbsp;— Page 1 |publisher=] |date=23 July 2009 |accessdate=22 October 2010}}</ref> The protagonist of ''The Ballad of Gay Tony'' is ], an assistant to nightclub owner Tony "Gay Tony" Prince, and follows him as he resolves the conflicts of his friends, family, and boss.<ref name="announce gay tony">{{cite web| url =http://www.shacknews.com/article/58785/second-gta-4-expansion-tells | title = Second GTA 4 Expansion Tells 'The Ballad of Gay Tony' | first = Nick | last = Breckon | date = 26 May 2009 | accessdate = 26 May 2009 | publisher = ]}}</ref>

Jeronimo Barrera, Vice President of Product Development for Rockstar Games, said that the episodes were experiments because the team were not sure that there was enough users with access to online content on the Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite web|date=11 February 2008|url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2008/02/rockstar_experimenting_with_episodic_content-2/ |title=Grand Theft Auto IV: Rockstar Experimenting with Episodic Content|publisher=Kotaku |accessdate=12 February 2008}}</ref> Take-Two Interactive's ], Lainie Goldstein revealed that Microsoft was paying a total of $50 million for the first two episodes.<ref>{{cite web|date=11 June 2007|url= http://seekingalpha.com/article/38017|title=Take-Two F2Q07 (Qtr End 4/30/07) Earnings Call Transcript|publisher=SeekingAlpha|accessdate=17 June 2007}}</ref> In January 2010, Rockstar announced that the DLC as well as ''Episodes From Liberty City'' would be made available for the PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Windows on 13 April 2010 in North America<ref name="GTAEpisodesPCPS3-date"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/4661/grand-theft-auto-episodes-from-liberty-city-now-available-throug.html |title=Episodes&nbsp;— Rockstar Games live article |author=R* Q |publisher=] |accessdate=22 October 2010}}</ref> and 16 April 2010 in Europe.<ref name="GTAEpisodesPCPS3-date"/>

Both episodes were released for PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Windows on 13 April 2010<ref name="GTAEpisodesPCPS3-date">{{cite web|url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/4431/first-pc-screens-of-grand-theft-auto-episodes-from-liberty-city.html |title=First PC Screens of Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City |date=2 April 2010 |author=R* Q |publisher=] |accessdate=8 April 2010}}</ref> in North America and on 16 April 2010<ref name="GTAEpisodesPCPS3-date"/> in Europe.<ref name="GTAEpisodesPCPS3-R*">{{cite web |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/2861/grand-theft-auto-episodes-from-liberty-city-coming-to-playstatio.html |title=Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City Coming to PlayStation 3 and PC |date=29 January 2010|author=R* Q|publisher=]|accessdate=29 January 2010}}</ref> ''Grand Theft Auto IV: The Complete Edition'', including the original ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' and its two episodic expansions, was listed on online stores,<ref>{{cite web|last=Makuch |first=Eddie |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-iv-complete-edition-coming-oct-26-retail-radar/1100-6280753/ |title=Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete edition coming Oct. 26 – Retail Radar&nbsp;— PlayStation 3 News at GameSpot |publisher=] |date=5 October 2010 |accessdate=22 October 2010}}</ref> before being confirmed by Rockstar. The compilation was released on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Windows on 26 October 2010 in North America, and 29 October in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vgreleases.com/xbox360/releasedate-828922.aspx |title=Grand Theft Auto IV: The Complete Edition Release Date – Xbox 360 |author=Video Game Releases |publisher=] |accessdate=18 December 2013 }}</ref>

== Reception ==
=== Initial release ===
{{Video game reviews
| title = Console versions reception
| width = 26em
<!-- Aggregators -->
|GR = 97%<ref name="GRPS3">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/933036-grand-theft-auto-iv/index.html |title=Grand Theft Auto IV for PlayStation 3 |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZScGXHi |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref><ref name="GR360">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/933037-grand-theft-auto-iv/index.html |title=Grand Theft Auto IV for Xbox 360 |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZSeEyKv |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|MC = 98/100<ref name="MCPS3">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/grand-theft-auto-iv |title=Grand Theft Auto IV for PlayStation 3 Reviews |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZSgCuNJ |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref><ref name="MC360">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/grand-theft-auto-iv |title=Grand Theft Auto IV for Xbox 360 Reviews |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZSitMcA |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
<!-- Reviewers -->
|1UP = A+<ref name="1UP Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-iv |title=GTA IV Review for 360, PS3 |last=Boyer |first=Crispin |work=] |publisher=] |date=27 April 2008 |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921162603/http://www.1up.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-iv |archivedate=21 September 2013 }}</ref>
|CVG = 9.5/10<ref name="CVG Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/187732/reviews/grand-theft-auto-iv-review/ |title=Grand Theft Auto IV review |last=Robinson |first=Andy |work=] |publisher=] |date=27 April 2008 |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZSkznnv |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|Edge = 10/10{{sfn|Edge|2008}}
|EuroG = 10/10<ref name="Eurogamer Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/grand-theft-auto-iv-review |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Review |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |work=] |publisher=Gamer Network |date=27 April 2008 |accessdate=29 April 2008 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTHaPTB |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|GI = 10/10<ref name="Game Informer Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200806/R08.0425.1548.19614.htm
|title=PERFECTION |last=Reiner |first=Andrew |work=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |accessdate=29 April 2008 |archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080429143518/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200806/R08.0425.1548.19614.htm |archivedate=29 April 2008 }}</ref>
|GRadar = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="GamesRadar Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/grand-theft-auto-iv-review/ |title=Grand Theft Auto IV – The Fluff-free review |last=Walter |first=George |work=] |publisher=] |date=25 June 2012 |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTKV8Ev |archivedate=14 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|GSpot = 10/10<ref name="GameSpot Review"/>
|IGN = 10/10<ref name="IGN Review">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2008/04/29/grand-theft-auto-iv-special-edition-review/ |title=Grand Theft Auto IV: Special Edition Review |last=Goldstein |first=Hilary |publisher=]. ] |date=29 April 2008 |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTbUnca |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
}}
''Grand Theft Auto IV'' was released to universal acclaim. ], which assigns a ] rating in the 0–100 range, calculated an average score of 98 out of 100, indicating "universal acclaim", based on 64 reviews for the PlayStation 3 version and 86 reviews for the Xbox 360 version.<ref name="MCPS3"/><ref name="MC360"/> It is the second-highest rated game on Metacritic, tied with a number of other games.{{efn|''Grand Theft Auto IV'' shares its status as fifth-highest rated game on Metacritic with '']'' and '']''. The game that is rated higher than ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' is '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/all/all?view=condensed&sort=desc |title=Highest and Lowest Scoring Games |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=24 August 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6S3NJ9g3j |archivedate=23 August 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>}} ] assigned it an average review score of 97%, based on 60 reviews for the PlayStation 3 version<ref name="GRPS3"/> and 81 reviews for the Xbox 360 version.<ref name="GR360"/> It is also one of the highest-rated games on GameRankings.{{efn|GameRankings rates ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' as their best reviewed PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 game. The games that are rated higher than the console versions of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' are '']'', '']'' and '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/browse.html |title=All-Time Best |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=24 August 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6S3NFO81u |archivedate=23 August 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>}} Reviewers liked the game's narrative,<ref name="1UP Review"/><ref name="Game Informer Review"/><ref name="IGN Review"/><ref name="OXM Review"/> open world design<ref name="1UP Review"/><ref name="CVG Review"/><ref name="IGN Review"/> and combat system.<ref name="CVG Review"/><ref name="Eurogamer Review"/><ref name="GamesRadar Review"/><ref name="GameSpot Review"/> Hilary Goldstein of ] felt that the game "sets a new benchmark for open-world games",<ref name="IGN Review"/> and Andrew Reiner of '']'' wrote that the game "completely changes the landscape of gaming".<ref name="Game Informer Review"/>

Reviewers lauded the open world design, some further complimenting the freedom that it allows the player. Seth Schiesel of '']'' named the city the "real star" of the game.<ref name="New York Times Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/28/arts/28auto.html |title=Grand Theft Auto IV: Dystopian Liberty City |last=Schiesel |first=Seth |work=] |publisher=] |date=28 April 2008 |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTkjlUj |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref> ''Official Xbox Magazine''{{'}}s Hicks was impressed by the city, attributing this to the game's ].<ref name="OXM Review"/> Robinson of ''Computer and Video Games'' considered the environment believable, and felt that the world was "utterly unmatched".<ref name="CVG Review"/> Goldstein of IGN felt that, although Liberty City is inspired by New York, it is not beholden to it. He wrote that the city "exists in its own universe and rightfully so".<ref name="IGN Review"/> Crispin Boyer of ] directed praise at the city's "breathtaking vistas, incredibly varied scenery, and lived-in look."<ref name="1UP Review"/> Conversely, Jesse Costantino of ] felt that the game lacked important features common in other open world games.<ref name="Game Revolution Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/grand-theft-auto-iv |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Review |last=Costantino |first=Jesse |work=] |publisher=Net Revolution Inc. |date=6 May 2008 |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTmjgpQ |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

Reviewers praised the game's narrative. IGN's Goldstein accepted that the darker tones to the story, a break from series tradition. ] of '']'' felt surprised by the amount of depth to the story.<ref name="OXM Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.totalxbox.com/3993/reviews/grand-theft-auto-iv-review/ |title=Review: Grand Theft Auto IV |last=Hicks |first=Jon |authorlink=Jon Hicks (journalist) |work=] |publisher=] |date=28 April 2008 |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTf0Lsm |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref> Reiner of ''Game Informer'' wrote that the level of freedom in the game contributed to his enjoyment of the story.<ref name="Game Informer Review"/> The ] choices faced by players throughout the narrative were also welcomed. 1UP.com's Boyer felt that they gave the game an element of "replayability".<ref name="1UP Review"/> ]'s Tom Bramwell considered the morality choices a fair substitute over "bosses with large health bars".<ref name="Eurogamer Review"/>

] with main antagonist ]. Reviewers praised the game's story and characters, commending the ] choices faced by players.|alt=The player character sitting next to the main antagonist, at a bench on the side of the road.]]
The game's characters—particularly Niko—received positive reactions from critics.<ref name="Eurogamer Review"/> Hicks of ''Official Xbox Magazine'' and Andy Robinson of '']'' both called Niko "charismatic" and "likeable", stating that they prefer him over previous protagonists of the series.<ref name="CVG Review"/><ref name="OXM Review"/> George Walter of ] praised the depth of the character, and IGN's Goldstein felt that the character of Niko feels relatable when faced with difficult decisions.<ref name="GamesRadar Review"/> ] of ] felt that Niko was a "the only thing that mattered to " as he progressed through the story, with the character becoming one of his favourite features of the game.<ref name="Giant Bomb Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-iv-review/1900-25/ |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Review |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |authorlink=Jeff Gerstmann |work=] |publisher=] |date=5 May 2008 |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZThMAFu |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref> Schiesel of ''The New York Times'' named Niko one of the most realised video game characters attributing this to the game's script,<ref name="New York Times Review"/> while 1UP.com's Boyer commended the use of character bonding during the game's missions.<ref name="1UP Review"/>

Many reviewers found the combat system was more responsive than in previous games, particularly praising the addition of the cover system.<ref name="1UP Review"/><ref name="CVG Review"/><ref name="Eurogamer Review"/> Justin Calvert of ] wrote that the cover system makes the game's combat a "huge improvement" over previous games.<ref name="GameSpot Review"/> Reiner of ''Game Informer'' agreed, writing that the targeting system makes players feel responsible for all deaths.<ref name="Game Informer Review"/> IGN's Goldstein praised the fluidity of the cover system, and felt that the auto aim mechanic is a "great help in larger battles".<ref name="IGN Review"/> GamesRadar's Walter wrote that the cover system has "paved the way to a new style of mission".<ref name="GamesRadar Review"/> David McComb of '']'' called the combat "sharp and instinctive",<ref name="Empire Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?GID=522 |title=Empire's Grand Theft Auto IV Game Review |last=McComb |first=David |work=] |publisher=] |date=28 April 2008 |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTnfaDQ |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref> and Hicks of ''Official Xbox Magazine'' felt that the cover system allows players to execute an attack plan.<ref name="OXM Review"/> In addition to the combat system, most reviewers noted the vehicle handling was more realistic than in previous games.<ref name="Game Informer Review"/><ref name="GamesRadar Review"/><ref name="OXM Review"/> Robinson of ''Computer and Video Games'' felt that the vehicle handling echoed realism, while Hicks of ''Official Xbox Magazine'' called the vehicle selection "excellent".<ref name="CVG Review"/> Costantino of Game Revolution praised the improvement of the game's mechanics, particularly the physics engine's advanced vehicle and character animations.<ref name="Game Revolution Review"/>

Reviewers praised the sound design. Goldstein of IGN praised the actors' performances and the use of licensed music. GameSpot's Calvert and GamesRadar's Walter also commended the licensed music, the latter admiring the humour of the radio's talk stations.<ref name="GamesRadar Review"/><ref name="GameSpot Review"/> Michael Pinson of The Pro Audio Files praised the separate features of the game's sound design—including the city's ambiance, licensed music, character dialogue, and vehicle and weapon sound effects—applauding the developer's use of uniting the features together.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theproaudiofiles.com/game-audio-review-–-grand-theft-auto-iv/ |title=Game Audio Review – Grand Theft Auto IV |last=Pinson |first=Michael |publisher=The Pro Audio Files |date=3 October 2010 |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTqN0KJ |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref> Carolyn Gudmundson of GamesRadar also retroactively praised the game's soundtrack, commending its suitability to the game's setting.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/game-music-of-the-day-grand-theft-auto-iv/ |title=Game music of the day: Grand Theft Auto IV |last=Gudmundson |first=Carolyn |work=] |publisher=] |date=3 September 2010 |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTqkUUS |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

The game's online multiplayer mode received positive reactions from critics.<ref name="Eurogamer Review"/><ref name="GameSpot Review"/> Reiner of ''Game Informer'' praised the character customisation available in the multiplayer mode, and noted that it runs "just as smoothly" as the single-player game.<ref name="Game Informer Review"/> 1UP.com's Boyer called the multiplayer modes "excellent",<ref name="1UP Review"/> and IGN's Goldstein named it one of the best.<ref name="IGN Review"/> ''Official Xbox Magazine''{{'}}s Hicks dubbed the multiplayer as "hugely entertaining",<ref name="OXM Review"/> while Walter of GamesRadar praised the "seamless" process of entering a multiplayer match.<ref name="GamesRadar Review"/> Giant Bomb's Gerstmann and Game Revolution's Costantino felt divided about the multiplayer, the latter naming it a "fantastic idea", but feeling as though connectivity problems resulted in a "broken" experience.<ref name="Game Revolution Review"/><ref name="Giant Bomb Review"/>

=== Microsoft Windows version ===
{{Video game reviews
| title = Windows version reception
| width = 26em
<!-- Aggregators -->
|MC = 90/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/grand-theft-auto-iv |title=Grand Theft Auto IV for PC Reviews |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTtvXfK |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|GR = 88%<ref name="GRPC">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/952150-grand-theft-auto-iv/index.html |title=Grand Theft Auto IV for PC |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTu7cU6 |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
<!-- Reviewers -->
|1UP = B<ref name="1UP PC Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-4 |title=GTA IV Review for PC |last=Chick |first=Tom |authorlink=Tom Chick |publisher=] |date=9 December 2008 |accessdate=23 December 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108044011/http://www.1up.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-4 |archivedate=8 November 2012 }}</ref>
|CVG = 9.4/10<ref name="CVG PC Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/203262/reviews/grand-theft-auto-iv-review/ |title=PC Review: Grand Theft Auto IV Review |work=] |publisher=] |date=4 December 2008 |accessdate=23 December 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTuj6t4 |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|EuroG = 9/10<ref name="Eurogamer PC Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/grand-theft-auto-iv_1_8 |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Review |last=Gillen |first=Keiron |work=] |publisher=Gamer Network |date=1 December 2008 |accessdate=23 December 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTw1XGf |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|GSpot = 9/10<ref name="GameSpot PC Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-iv-review/1900-6202100/ |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Review |last=Calvert |first=Justin |work=] |publisher=] |date=8 December 2008 |accessdate=19 January 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTxMqtN |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|GSpy = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="GameSpy PC Review">{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/grand-theft-auto-iv/935454p1.html |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |last=Tuttle |first=Will |work=] |publisher=] |date=3 December 2008 |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTyrC6l |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|IGN = 9.2/10<ref name="IGN PC Review">{{cite web|last=Onyett |first=Charles |url=http://ign.com/articles/2008/12/02/grand-theft-auto-iv-review |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Review&nbsp;— PC Review at IGN |publisher=IGN |date=2 December 2008 |accessdate=23 December 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTzUmhi |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|VG = 10/10<ref name="VideoGamer.com PC Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/pc/gta_4/review.html |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Review for PC |last=Orry |first=Tom |work=] |publisher=Pro-G Media Ltd. |date=5 December 2008 |accessdate=14 September 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZU2IEBR |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
}}
When ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' was released to Microsoft Windows in December 2008, it received generally positive reviews. Metacritic calculated an average score of 90 out of 100, indicating "universal acclaim", based on 40 reviews.<ref name="MCPC"/> GameRankings assigned it an average review score of 88% based on 29 reviews.<ref name="GRPC"/> Reviewers liked the enhanced visuals<ref name="CVG PC Review"/><ref name="VideoGamer.com PC Review"/><ref name="GameZone PC Review"/> and the additional features,<ref name="GameSpot PC Review"/><ref name="1UP PC Review"/><ref name="IGN PC Review"/><ref name="GameZone PC Review"/> but criticised the port for its inferiority over the console versions.<ref name="1UP PC Review"/><ref name="Eurogamer PC Review"/><ref name="IGN PC Review"/>

The in-game features added in the port were well received.<ref name="IGN PC Review"/><ref name="GameZone PC Review"/> The addition of the Video Editor was met with positive reactions; GameSpot's Calvert called it "a great way to get creative",<ref name="GameSpot PC Review"/> while Kieron Gillen of Eurogamer criticised the unpredictability in its timing.<ref name="Eurogamer PC Review"/> Critics also praised the addition of the customisable radio station, which allows players to listen to their own choice of music; Tom Chick of 1UP.com named it the best feature of the port,<ref name="1UP PC Review"/> and Steven Hopper of ] called it a "great touch".<ref name="GameZone PC Review">{{cite web |url=http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r29676.htm |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Review – PC |last=Hopper |first=Steven |publisher=] |date=8 December 2008 |accessdate=23 December 2010 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090308013926/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r29676.htm |archivedate=8 March 2009 }}</ref> The port's upgrade to 32 concurrent players in the online multiplayer mode, as opposed to the console version's 16 players, was also met with positive feedback; Eurogamer's Gillen said that the "possibility for mayhem... increases",<ref name="Eurogamer PC Review"/> while Will Tuttle of ] felt that the player increase "changes the action significantly".<ref name="GameSpy PC Review"/>

The port's enhanced visuals were commended by many reviewers. GameZone's Hopper considered the visuals an improvement over the original versions.<ref name="GameZone PC Review"/> Andy Robinson of '']'' called the visuals "impressive",<ref name="CVG PC Review"/> while Tom Orry of ] called them "superb".<ref name="VideoGamer.com PC Review"/> Conversely, the port's system requirements, considered difficult to run with advanced settings,<ref name="GameSpot PC Review"/> received criticism.<ref name="IGN PC Review"/><ref name="VideoGamer.com PC Review"/> Eurogamer's Gillen said that, though the Windows version is "the most attractive version", it's "annoyingly fiddly to get there".<ref name="Eurogamer PC Review"/> GameSpy's Tuttle was able to overlook the demanding system requirements in exchange for the game's other features.<ref name="GameSpy PC Review"/>

== Commercial performance ==
=== Sales ===
Within twenty-four hours of its release, ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' sold over 3.6 million copies, equating to approximately $310 million in revenue.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.v3.co.uk/v3-uk/news/1972265/gta-iv-smashes-sales-records |title=GTA IV smashes sales records |last=Nichols |first=Shaun |publisher=V3 |date=9 May 2008 |accessdate=26 May 2008 }}</ref> Within a week, it generated more than $500 million in worldwide revenue, equating to approximately 6 million copies sold for Take Two.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/07/technology/07game.html |title=A $500 Million Week for Grand Theft Auto |last=Richtel |first=Mike |work=] |publisher=] |date=7 May 2008 |accessdate=7 May 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/05/07/us-grandtheftauto-sales-idUSWNAS233520080507 |title=Take-Two's Grand Theft Auto 4 sales top $500 million |last=Paul |first=Franklin |publisher='']'' |date=7 May 2008 |accessdate=8 May 2008 }}</ref>{{efn|The game's first-week sales record beat the previous record of $320 million set by '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/grand-theft-auto-iv-smashes-all-sales-records/story-e6freuy9-1111116285070 |title=Grand Theft Auto IV smashes all sales records |last=Fenech |first=Stephen |publisher='']'' |date=9 May 2008 |accessdate=15 June 2014 }}</ref>}} The numbers surpassed analysts' expectations for the title.<ref name="shares rise">{{Cite news |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/04/28/businesspro-grandtheftauto-dc-idUKN2116666620080428 |title=Take-Two shares rise amid rave reviews for GTA4 |accessdate=6 October 2011 |last=Hillis |first=Scott |date=28 April 2008 |publisher=Reuters}}</ref><ref name="richtel">{{cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/29/technology/29game.html |title=For Gamers, the Craving Won't Quit |accessdate=29 April 2008 |last=Richtel |first=Matt |date=29 April 2008 |work=] |publisher=] }}</ref><ref name="big or huge">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/qanda-gtaiv-big-or-huge/1100-6190011/ |title=Q&A: GTAIV – Big or huge? |accessdate=28 April 2008 |last=Magrino |first=Tom |date=28 April 2008 |publisher=]}}</ref> After one month of availability, the game had sold over 8.5 million copies.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://ir.take2games.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=86428&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1163124 |title=Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Reports Strong Second Quarter Fiscal 2008 Financial Results |publisher=] |date=5 June 2008 |accessdate=6 June 2008}}</ref> It broke three ] on 13 May 2008: highest grossing video game in 24 hours, highest revenue generated by an entertainment product in 24 hours, and fastest-selling video game in 24 hours.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gamers.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/130508_GTA_IV_break_record.aspx |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110513190521/http://gamers.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/130508_GTA_IV_break_record.aspx |archivedate=13 May 2011 |title=Confirmed: Grand Theft Auto IV Breaks Guinness World Records With Biggest Entertainment Release Of All-Time |accessdate=13 May 2008 |date=13 May 2008 |work=] |publisher=] }}</ref>{{efn|The three ] that ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' broke are now held by its successor '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/10/9/4819272/grand-theft-auto-5-smashes-7-guinness-world-records |title=Grand Theft Auto 5 smashes 7 Guinness World Records |last=Pitcher |first=Jenna |publisher=] |date=9 October 2013 |accessdate=15 June 2014 }}</ref>}} On 11 March 2011, Take-Two announced that the game had sold over 20 million copies, with the ''Grand Theft Auto'' series surpassing a collective total of 100 million copies.<ref name="TakeTwo2011March">{{cite press release |url=http://www.vg247.com/2011/03/10/take-two-drops-franchise-figures-gta-iv-sells-20-million-bioshock-series-at-8-million |title=Take-Two: GTA IV hits 20m, BioShock series at 8m |publisher=] |date=10 March 2011 |accessdate=10 March 2011}}</ref> As of July 2013, the game has sold over 25 million copies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/07/30/grand-theft-auto-iv-has-sold-25-million-units-to_2d00_date.aspx |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Has Sold 25 Million Units To-Date |last=Futter |first=Mike |publisher='']'' |date=30 July 2013 |accessdate=15 June 2014 }}</ref> All sales records broken by ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' were beaten by its successor, '']'', upon release.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2013/09/20/gta-5-sales-hit-1-billion-in-three-days |title=GTA 5 Sales Hit $1 Billion in Three Days |last=Goldfarb |first=Andrew |publisher=]. ] |date=20 September 2013 |accessdate=7 December 2014 }}</ref>

In the United Kingdom, the game became the fastest-selling game of all time, selling over 631,000 copies in twenty-four hours.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/uk-charts-all-conquering-gta-iv-hits-no-1 |last=Ingham |first=Tim |title=UK CHARTS: All-conquering GTA IV hits No.1 |date=6 May 2008 |publisher=] |accessdate=16 May 2008}}</ref><ref name="UKfirstdaysales">{{cite web|title=GTA IV smashes day one sales record |last=Ingham |first=Tim |publisher=] |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/gta-iv-smashes-day-one-sales-record |date=30 April 2008 |accessdate=16 May 2008}}</ref> This broke the record set by '']'' at 501,000 copies over the same period.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1915219/Grand-Theft-Auto-IV-becomes-UKs-fastest-selling-game.html |title=Grand Theft Auto IV is fastest-selling game |accessdate=1 May 2008 |last=Beaumont |first=Claudine |date=1 May 2008 |publisher='']'' | location=London}}</ref> During the first five days of availability, the game sold over 927,000 copies in the United Kingdom.<ref name="UKfirstweeksales">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gta-iv-926-000-copies-sold-in-five-days |last=Androvich |first=Mark |title=GTA IV: 926,000 copies sold in five days |date=6 May 2008 |publisher=] |accessdate=16 May 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/360-outselling-ps3-in-gta-software-battle |last=Ingham |first=Tim |title=360 outselling PS3 in GTA software 'battle' |date=6 May 2008 |publisher=] |accessdate=16 May 2008}}</ref> Over the same period, 2.85 million units were sold in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/npd-us-april-game-revs-spike-on-gtaiv/1100-6191066/ |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |title=NPD: US game revs spike on 2.85M GTAIVs |date=15 May 2008 |publisher=] |accessdate=16 May 2008}}</ref> By the end of 2008, the game had sold over 5.18 million copies in the US.<ref name="gamedaily">{{cite web|title=NPD: Nintendo Drives '08 Industry Sales Past $21 Billion |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/npd-nintendo-drives-08-industry-sales-past-21-billion-/?biz=1 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090331111632/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/npd-nintendo-drives-08-industry-sales-past-21-billion-/?biz=1 |archivedate=31 March 2009 |publisher=] |accessdate=15 January 2009 |date=15 January 2009}}</ref> In its first four days of availability in Japan, it sold 133,000 copies on the PlayStation 3 and 34,000 on the Xbox 360, according to ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5078486/grand-theft-auto-iv-1-with-a-bullet-in-japan |title=Grand Theft Auto IV #1 With A Bullet In Japan |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=6 November 2008 |publisher=Kotaku |accessdate=7 November 2008}}</ref>

In the first week of availability, the Windows version of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' debuted at seventh place on the weekly charts;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/56384/weekly-pc-sales-a-slow |title=Weekly PC Sales: A Slow Start for GTA 4|publisher=]|date=15 December 2008|accessdate=24 December 2008}}</ref> by the second week, it had left the top-ten.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/56495/weekly-pc-sales-grand-theft |title=Weekly PC Sales: Grand Theft Auto 4 PC Disappears; Left 4 Dead, Call of Duty Gain Ground |publisher=] |date=22 December 2008 |accessdate=24 December 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamecyte.com/grand-theft-auto-4-pc-drops-out-of-npds-top-10-pc-list-in-second-week|title=Grand Theft Auto 4 PC Drops Out of NPD’s Top 10 PC List in Second Week|publisher=GameCyte|date=23 December 2008|accessdate=24 December 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309205050/http://www.gamecyte.com/grand-theft-auto-4-pc-drops-out-of-npds-top-10-pc-list-in-second-week |archivedate=9 March 2009 }}</ref> Based on ] counts, the game was the most played ] game in 2009 and 2012, and the second-most played in 2011.<ref name="GfW-listing"/>

=== Awards ===
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="width:100%;"
|-
!List of awards for ''Grand Theft Auto IV''
|-
|style="padding:0; border:none;"|
{|class="wikitable" style="border:none; margin:0; width:100%;"
|-
!Year
!Awards
!colspan="2"|Category
!Ref
|-
| rowspan="40" style="text-align:center;"|2008
|rowspan="11"|] Best of 2008
|rowspan="3"|Best Action Game
|Xbox 360
|align=center|<ref name="ign_best-action-game-x360">{{cite web |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2008/xbox360/1.html |title=IGN Xbox 360: Best Action Game 2008 |publisher=]. ] |accessdate=23 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222084248/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/xbox360/1.html |archivedate=22 December 2008 }}</ref>
|-
|PC
|align=center|<ref name="ign_best-action-game-pc">{{cite web |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2008/pc/1.html |title=IGN PC Games: Best Action Game 2008 |publisher=]. ] |accessdate=23 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220073405/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/pc/1.html |archivedate=20 December 2008 }}</ref>
|-
|Overall
|align=center|<ref name="ign_best-action-game-overall">{{cite web |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2008/overall/1.html |title=IGN Overall: Best Action Game 2008 |publisher=]. ] |accessdate=23 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090120021419/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/overall/1.html |archivedate=20 January 2009 }}</ref>
|-
|Best Graphics Technology
|Xbox 360
|align=center|<ref name="ign_best-graphics-technology-x360">{{cite web |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2008/xbox360/10.html |title=IGN Xbox 360: Best Graphics Technology 2008 |publisher=]. ] |accessdate=23 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222095435/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/xbox360/10.html |archivedate=22 December 2008 }}</ref>
|-
|Best Use of Sound
|Overall
|align=center|<ref name="ign_best-use-of-sound-overall">{{cite web |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2008/overall/14.html |title=IGN Overall: Best Use of Sound 2008 |publisher=]. ] |accessdate=23 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090120045931/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/overall/14.html |archivedate=20 January 2009 }}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="4"|Best Voice Acting
|Xbox 360
|align=center|<ref name="ign_best-voice-acting-x360">{{cite web |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2008/xbox360/14.html |title=IGN Xbox 360: Best Voice Acting 2008 |publisher=]. ] |accessdate=23 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222095500/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/xbox360/14.html |archivedate=22 December 2008}}</ref>
|-
|PlayStation 3
|align=center|<ref name="ign_best-voice-acting-ps3">{{cite web |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2008/ps3/15.html |title=IGN PS3: Best Voice Acting 2008 |publisher=]. ] |accessdate=23 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221093617/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/ps3/15.html |archivedate=21 December 2008 }}</ref>
|-
|PC
|align=center|<ref name="ign_best-voice-acting-pc">{{cite web |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2008/pc/15.html |title=IGN PC: Best Voice Acting 2008 |publisher=]. ] |accessdate=23 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220074023/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/pc/15.html |archivedate=20 December 2008 }}</ref>
|-
|Overall
|align=center|<ref name="ign_best-voice-acting-overall">{{cite web |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2008/overall/15.html |title=IGN Overall: Best Voice Acting 2008 |publisher=]. ] |accessdate=23 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090120052839/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/overall/15.html |archivedate=20 January 2009 }}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="2"|Best Story
|Xbox 360
|align=center|<ref name="ign_best-story-x360">{{cite web |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2008/xbox360/15.html |title=IGN Xbox 360: Best Story 2008 |publisher=]. ] |accessdate=23 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222095510/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/xbox360/15.html |archivedate=22 December 2008 }}</ref>
|-
|PlayStation 3
|align=center|<ref name="ign_best-story-ps3">{{cite web |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2008/ps3/16.html |title=IGN PS3: Best Story 2008 |publisher=]. ] |accessdate=23 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221093621/http://bestof.ign.com/2008/ps3/16.html |archivedate=21 December 2008 }}</ref>
|-
|] AU's 10 Best Games of 2008
|colspan="2"|Best Game of the Year
|align=center|<ref name="ign_au_bestof2008">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2008/12/08/ign-aus-10-best-games-of-2008?page=3 |title=IGN AU's 10 Best Games of 2008 |author=The IGN AU Team |publisher=]. ] |accessdate=24 September 2011}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="5"|] Game of the Year Awards 2008
|colspan="2"|Game of the Year
|align=center|<ref name="gametrailers_goty">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/pwj1qe/game-of-the-year |title=GameTrailers Game of the Year Awards 2008, Game of the Year |date=31 December 2008 |work=] |publisher=Defy Media |accessdate=23 September 2011}}</ref>
|-
|colspan="2"|Best PlayStation 3 Game
|align=center|<ref name="gametrailers_best-ps3-game">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/2muxck/best-ps3-game |title=GameTrailers Game of the Year Awards 2008, Best PS3 Game |date=31 December 2008 |work=] |publisher=Defy Media |accessdate=23 September 2011}}</ref>
|-
|colspan="2"|Best Xbox 360 Game
|align=center|<ref name="gametrailers_best-xbox360-game">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/phy963/best-xbox-360-game |title=GameTrailers Game of the Year Awards 2008, Best Xbox 360 Game |date=31 December 2008 |work=] |publisher=Defy Media |accessdate=23 September 2011}}</ref>
|-
|colspan="2"|Best Action Adventure Game
|align=center|<ref name="gametrailers_best-action-adventure-game">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/e3sxpv/best-action-adventure-game |title=GameTrailers Game of the Year Awards 2008, Best Action Adventure Game |date=23 December 2008 |work=] |publisher=Defy Media |accessdate=23 September 2011}}</ref>
|-
|colspan="2"|Best Story
|align=center|<ref name="gametrailers_best-story">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/wudu8j/best-story |title=GameTrailers Game of the Year Awards 2008, Best Story |date=26 December 2008 |work=] |publisher=Defy Media |accessdate=23 September 2011}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="2"|] Game of the Year 2008
|colspan="2"|Best Story
|align=center|<ref name="gamespy_best-story">{{cite web |url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2008/special/17.html |title=GameSpy Game of the Year 2008: Special Awards: Best Story |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=23 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222054958/http://goty.gamespy.com/2008/special/17.html |archivedate=22 December 2008 }}</ref>
|-
|colspan="2"|Character of the Year: ]
|align=center|<ref name="gamespy_character-of-the-year">{{cite web |url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2008/special/15.html |title=GameSpy Game of the Year 2008: Special Awards: Character of the Year |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=23 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222054953/http://goty.gamespy.com/2008/special/15.html |archivedate=22 December 2008 }}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="3"|] Best of 2008
|colspan="2"|Best UK-Developed Game
|<ref name="gamespot_best-uk-developed-game">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/best-of-2008/special-achievement/index.html?page=29 |title=GameSpot's Best Games of 2008: Best UK-Developed Game |work=]|accessdate=24 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318074554/http://www.gamespot.com/best-of-2008/special-achievement/index.html?page=29 |archivedate=18 March 2013 }}</ref>
|-
|colspan="2"|Best New Character: ]
|align=center|<ref name="gamespot_best-new-character">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/best-of-2008/special-achievement/index.html?page=6 |title=GameSpot's Best Games of 2008: Best New Character |work=]|accessdate=24 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318074630/http://www.gamespot.com/best-of-2008/platform-awards/index.html?page=3 |archivedate=18 March 2013 }}</ref>
|-
|colspan="2"|Best Xbox 360 Game
|align=center|<ref name="gamespot_best-xbox360-game">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/best-of-2008/platform-awards/index.html?page=3 |title=GameSpot's Best Games of 2008: Best Xbox 360 Games |work=]|accessdate=24 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318074630/http://www.gamespot.com/best-of-2008/platform-awards/index.html?page=3 |archivedate=18 March 2013}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="2"|] Golden Anniversary Year-End Awards Extravaganza Spectacular 2008
|colspan="2"|Game of the Year
|align=center|<ref name="giantbomb_goty">{{cite web |url=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20110116042603/http://www.giantbomb.com/features/best-of-2008/1/?category=1 |title=Giant Bomb Golden Anniversary Year-End Awards Extravaganza Spectacular 2008: Game of the Year |date=30 December 2008 |work=] |accessdate=24 September 2011}}</ref>
|-
|colspan="2"|Best Multiplatform Game
|align=center|<ref name="giantbomb_best-multiplatform-game">{{cite web |url=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20110116041228/http://www.giantbomb.com/features/best-of-2008/1/?category=9 |title=Giant Bomb Golden Anniversary Year-End Awards Extravaganza Spectacular 2008: Best Multiplatform Game |date=29 December 2008 |work=]|accessdate=24 September 2011}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="2"|]'s 2008 Games of the Year Awards
|colspan="2"|Game of the Year
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="kotaku_goty">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5122222/kotakus-2008-games-of-the-year-awards |title=Kotaku's 2008 Games of the Year Awards |date=5 January 2009 |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=24 September 2011}}</ref>
|-
|colspan="2"|Best Writing
|-
|rowspan="3"|] Game of the Year Awards 2008
|colspan="2"|Best Action/Adventure
|align=center|<ref name="teamxbox_goty_p1">{{cite web |url=http://features.teamxbox.com/xbox/2356/TeamXbox-Game-of-the-Year-Awards-2008/p1/ |title=TeamXbox Game of the Year Awards 2008 |page=1 |work=] |publisher=] |date=23 December 2008 |author=TeamXbox Staff |accessdate=24 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225154513/http://features.teamxbox.com/xbox/2356/TeamXbox-Game-of-the-Year-Awards-2008/p1/ |archivedate=25 December 2008 }}</ref>
|-
|colspan="2"|Best Story
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="teamxbox_goty_p5">{{cite web |url=http://features.teamxbox.com/xbox/2356/TeamXbox-Game-of-the-Year-Awards-2008/p5/ |title=TeamXbox Game of the Year Awards 2008 |page=5 |work=] |publisher=] |date=23 December 2008 |author=TeamXbox Staff |accessdate=24 September 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227005144/http://features.teamxbox.com/xbox/2356/TeamXbox-Game-of-the-Year-Awards-2008/p5/ |archivedate=27 December 2008}}</ref>
|-
|colspan="2"|Game of the Year
|-
|rowspan="3"|] ] 2008
|colspan="2"|Game of the Year
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="spike_vga_pr">{{Cite press release |url=http://www.spike.com/press/2008/12/16/spike-tv-announces-2008-%E2%80%9Cvideo-game-award%E2%80%9D-winners/ |title=Spike TV Announces 2008 'Video Game Award' Winners |date=14 December 2008 |publisher=] |accessdate=23 September 2011}}</ref>
|-
|colspan="2"|Best Action Adventure Game
|-
|colspan="2"|Best Performance by a Human Male: ] as ]
|-
|rowspan="2"|26th Annual ]s
|colspan="2"|] Soundtrack of the Year
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="goldenjoystick">{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/200848/golden-joysticks-all-the-winners/ |title=Golden Joysticks: All the winners |date=31 October 2008 |last=Ivan |first=Tom |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=24 September 2011}}</ref>
|-
|colspan="2"|] Xbox Game of the Year
|-
|rowspan="3"|] ] 2008
|colspan="2"|Best New Character: ]
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="gphoria">{{cite web |url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/687995/g-phoria-winners-are-announced/ |title=G-Phoria Winners Are Announced! |author=User "Yodapollo" |date=7 August 2008 |publisher=G4tv.com |accessdate=24 September 2011}}</ref>
|-
|colspan="2"|Best Action Game
|-
|colspan="2"|Longest Lasting Game, presented by ]
|-
|'']''
|colspan="2" rowspan="2"|Game of the Year
|align=center|<ref name="nytimes_goty">{{Cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/arts/television/21schie.html?_r=5&ref=arts |title=The Zombies Look Better Every Year |last=Schiesel |first=Seth |date=19 December 2008 |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=24 September 2011}}</ref>
|-
|'']''
|align=center|<ref name="latimes_goty">{{Cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2008/dec/31/entertainment/et-gameday31 |title=Making the perfect game |last=Metzger |first=Pete |date=31 December 2008 |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=24 September 2011}}</ref>
|-
|'']'' The Top 10 Everything of 2008: Top 10 Video Games
|colspan="2"|Number 1 video game of 2008
|align=center|<ref name="time_goty">{{Cite news |url=http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1855948_1863763_1863769,00.html |title=The Top 10 Everything of 2008: Top 10 Video Games: 1. ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' |date=3 November 2008 |last=Grossman |first=Lev |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=24 September 2011}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|2009
|rowspan="2"|] Home Entertainment Awards&nbsp;– Video Games
|colspan="2"|Action/Adventure Game of the Year
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="ema_awards">{{cite web |url=http://www.entmerch.org/industry/awards/emavsda-home-entertainment-/home-entertainment-awards-v-2.html |title=Home Entertainment Awards&nbsp;— Video Games |publisher=] |accessdate=24 September 2011}}</ref>
|-
|colspan="2"|Video Game of the Year
|}
|}
], voice of Niko Bellic, won a Spike TV award for "Best Performance by a Human Male".]]
Following the critical acclaim it received on its release, ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' has received various awards from various critics and publications. It received several ] awards, from gaming media outlets such as ],<ref name="spike_vga_pr" /> ],<ref name="giantbomb_goty" /> ],<ref name="kotaku_goty" /> and ],<ref name="gametrailers_goty" /> as well as mainstream publications, like '']'',<ref name="nytimes_goty" /> the '']'',<ref name="latimes_goty" /> and '']'' magazine.<ref name="time_goty" /> ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' also received seven nominations at the ] (]),<ref name="bafta">{{cite web |url=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20120103092451/http://www.bafta.org/awards/video-games/nominations/?year=2009 |title=Past Winners and Nominees: Games Nominations 2009 |publisher=] |accessdate=24 September 2011}}</ref> and three nominations at the 9th Annual ],<ref name="gdca">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_9th.html |title=9th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards |publisher=Game Developers Choice Awards |accessdate=24 September 2011}}</ref> but did not win any of them.{{efn|At the ], ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' was beaten by: '']'' for the Action and Adventure award; '']'' for excellence in Gameplay, Story and Character, as well as the GAME Award of 2008; '']'' for the Technical Achievement award; '']'' for the Use of Audio award; and '']'' for the ] award.<ref name="bafta"/> At the 9th ], ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' was beaten by '']'' for Game of the Year and the Writing award, and '']'' for the Technology award.<ref name="gdca"/>}}

== Controversies ==
{{Main|Controversies surrounding Grand Theft Auto IV}}

Prior to and since the release of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'', the game had been subject to a great deal of controversy, as was the case with previous '']'' titles. Figures including ], ] and ] have criticised the game, as have organisations including New York City officials and ] (MADD).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mothers-against-gtaivs-drunk-driving/1100-6190213/ |title=Mothers against GTAIV's drunk driving|last=Sinclair|first=Brendan |date=30 April 2008|publisher=]|accessdate=13 October 2008}}</ref> MADD asked ESRB to change the rating of the game from "M" (for ages seventeen and up) to "AO" (for adults only) due to the player's ability to ] of alcohol.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.madd.org/Media-Center/Media-Center/Press-Releases/Press-Releases/2008/MADD’s-Statement-Regarding-Grand-Theft-Auto-IV.aspx |title=MADD's Statement Regarding Grand Theft Auto IV |last=Tway |first=Kelley |publisher=] |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080513021529/http://www.madd.org/Media-Center/Media-Center/Press-Releases/Press-Releases/2008/MADD%E2%80%99s-Statement-Regarding-Grand-Theft-Auto-IV.aspx |archivedate=13 May 2008 |accessdate=27 September 2013 }}</ref>

The initial version of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' released in Australia and New Zealand was pre-censored by Rockstar to allow the game to meet the perceived requirements of ].<ref name="smh-censor">{{cite news|url=http://blogs.smh.com.au/screenplay/archives/017808.html |title=GTA IV edited for Australia |accessdate=5 April 2008 |last=Hill |first=Jason |date=4 April 2008 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> However, the game was resubmitted to the New Zealand ] by Stan Calif, a 21-year-old student who was unhappy that New Zealand received an edited version of the game as a result of Australian censorship laws. The unedited version was subsequently given an R18 rating and cleared for sale in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/entertainment/uncut-version-of-grand-theft-auto-iv-now-available-in-nz-2008052218 |title=Uncut version of Grand Theft Auto IV now available in NZ |work=] |publisher=] |date=22 May 2008 |accessdate=7 December 2014 }}</ref> For the PC release, the uncensored version of the game was awarded MA15+ in Australia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5100659/for-some-reason-australia-is-getting-an-uncut-gta-iv-on-pc |title=For Some Reason, Australia Is Getting An Uncut GTA IV On PC |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |work=] |publisher=] |date=2 December 2008 |accessdate=7 December 2014 }}</ref> Following the release of ''The Lost and Damned'', Rockstar distributed a ] which uncensored the Australian release for consoles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com.au/gaming/news/a147428/gta-iv-updated-with-uncensored-patch.html#~oXQMmsgdOXk9Xs |title='GTA IV' updated with uncensored patch |last=Reynolds |first=Matthew |work=] |publisher=] |date=21 February 2009 |accessdate=12 December 2014 }}</ref>

There have been reports in the United Kingdom and the United States of crimes perpetrated against people purchasing ''Grand Theft Auto IV'', as well as employees of stores selling the game.<ref name="Crime incidents"/> One of these incidents, an attack near a ] store in ], ] was later reported to be an unrelated argument between two groups of people leaving a pub<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/croydon-stabbing-had-nothing-to-do-with-gta |title=Croydon stabbing 'had nothing to do with GTA’|last=Ingham|first=Tim |date=30 April 2008|publisher=]|accessdate=21 November 2008}}</ref> and the story has been referred to as a "]."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.v3.co.uk/v3-uk/news/2007890/grand-theft-auto-stabbing-disputed |title=Grand Theft Auto stabbing disputed |last=Thomson |first=Iain |publisher=V3 |date=30 April 2008 |accessdate=2 May 2008 |registration=yes}}</ref> Six teenagers were later arrested in June 2008 after engaging in a crime spree in ], New York, assaulting and robbing several people, and attempting a ]. According to police, the teens claimed that they were "inspired" by ''Grand Theft Auto IV''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://kotaku.com/5019960/teen-crime-spree-inspired-by-grand-theft-auto |title=Teen Crime Spree Inspired By Grand Theft Auto |last=Fahey |first=Mike |work=] |publisher=] |date=26 June 2008 |accessdate=7 December 2014 }}</ref>

== References ==
'''Notes'''
{{notelist}}

'''Footnotes'''
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em|refs=

<ref name="Anticipated">Sources that refer to ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' being a highly anticipated game include:
*{{cite web |url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Jack-Thompson-Strikes-Again-GTA-IV-and-Manhunt-2-49143.shtml |title=Jack Thompson Strikes Again – GTA IV and Manhunt 2 |last=Truta |first=Filip |publisher=] |date=12 March 2007 |accessdate=25 September 2013 }}
*{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/grand-theft-auto-iv-delayed-from-oct-to-fiscal-q2-08/ |title=Grand Theft Auto IV delayed from Oct. to fiscal Q2 '08 |last=Grant |first=Christopher |publisher=Joystiq |date=2 August 2007 |accessdate=25 September 2013 }}
*{{cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/03/technology/03game.html?_r=0 |title=Tough Delay for Big Game by Take-Two |last=Richtel |first=Matt |work=] |publisher=] |date=3 August 2007 |accessdate=25 September 2013 }}
*{{cite web |url=http://www.dailytech.com/GTA+IV+PlayStation+3+Bundle+Announced+for+Europe+Australia/article11578.htm |title=GTA IV PlayStation 3 Bundle Announced for Europe, Australia |last=Yam |first=Marcus |date=23 April 2008 |accessdate=25 September 2013 }}
*{{cite web |url=http://www.g4tv.com/videos/21137/top-4-open-world-games-of-2008/ |title=Top 4 Open World Games of 2008 Videos |publisher=G4TV |date=8 April 2008 |accessdate=25 September 2013 }}
*{{cite web |url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2008/02/28/grand-theft-auto-iv-hands-on-2 |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Hands-On |last1=Miller |first1=Greg |last2=Goldstein |first2=Hilary |publisher=IGN |date=28 February 2008 |accessdate=25 September 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Review">Following the game's launch, Justin Calvert of ] published two identical reviews, one for each console:
*{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-iv-review/1900-6190027/ |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Review for Xbox 360 |last=Calvert |first=Justin |work=] |publisher=] |date=28 April 2008 |accessdate=19 January 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTNL4rW |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}
*{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/grand-theft-auto-iv-review/1900-6190025/ |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Review for PS3 |last=Calvert |first=Justin |work=] |publisher=] |date=28 April 2008 |accessdate=19 January 2014 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZTRmn5Z |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="GfW-listing">Sources that refer to the amount of players for the ] version include:
*{{cite web |url=http://majornelson.com/2010/01/11/the-top-20-live-games-of-2009/ |title=The Top 20 LIVE Games of 2009 |date=11 January 2010 |accessdate=26 September 2013 |author=] }}
*{{cite web |url=http://majornelson.com/2012/01/06/top-games-of-2011/ |title=Top Games of 2011 |date=6 January 2012 |accessdate=26 September 2013 |author=] }}
*{{cite web |url=http://majornelson.com/2013/01/22/top-games-of-2012/ |title=Top Games of 2012 |date=22 January 2013 |accessdate=26 September 2013 |author=] }}</ref>

<ref name="PC features">Sources that refer to the features for the Microsoft Windows version of the game include:
*{{cite web|url=http://ign.com/articles/2008/10/30/grand-theft-auto-iv-uk-hands-on |title=Grand Theft Auto IV UK Hands-on|last=Robinson|first=Martin |date=30 October 2008 |publisher=IGN |page=2|accessdate=4 November 2008}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/pc/grand-theft-auto-iv/preview/grand-theft-auto-iv-is-the-pc-version-the-best/a-200810301323482004/g-2008080416222952067|title=Grand Theft Auto IV: Is the PC version the best? |last=Nagata|first=Tyler |date=30 October 2008 |publisher=]|accessdate=4 November 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728013706/http://www.gamesradar.com/pc/grand-theft-auto-iv/preview/grand-theft-auto-iv-is-the-pc-version-the-best/a-200810301323482004/g-2008080416222952067 |archivedate=28 July 2011 }}
*{{cite web|url=http://ign.com/articles/2008/10/30/grand-theft-auto-iv-hands-on |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Hands-on|last=Onyett|first=Charles |date=30 October 2008|publisher=IGN|page=2|accessdate=4 November 2008}}</ref>

<ref name="Crime incidents">Sources that refer to crimes being perpetrated against purchasers and sellers of the game include:
*{{cite news |url=http://www.reghardware.com/2008/04/30/gta_gamer_stabbed/ |title=Grand Theft Auto 4 queue man stabbed in head |first=James |last=Sherwood |publisher=The Register |date=30 April 2008 |accessdate=27 September 2013 }}
*{{cite news |url=http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article3839991.ece |title=Man stabbed while waiting to buy Grand Theft Auto IV |date=29 April 2008 |accessdate=27 September 2013 |first=Holden |last=Frith |publisher=The Times | location=London}}
*{{cite web |url =http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/chester-boys-attacked-grand-theft-5238495 |title = Chester boys attacked by Grand Theft Auto snatchers|author = Mannion, Paul |date = 1 May 2008 |accessdate=27 September 2013 |publisher = ]}}</ref>

<!-- Mission references -->
<ref name="Uncle Vlad">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="Uncle Vlad" }}</ref>
<ref name="Crime and Punishment">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="Crime and Punishment" }}</ref>
<ref name="The Master and the Molotov">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="The Master and the Molotov" }}</ref>
<ref name="Russian Revolution">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="Russian Revolution" }}</ref>
<ref name="Roman's Sorrow">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="Roman's Sorrow" }}</ref>
<ref name="Hostile Negotiation">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="Hostile Negotiation" }}</ref>

<ref name="The Snow Storm">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="The Snow Storm" }}</ref>
<ref name="Wrong is Right">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="Wrong is Right" }}</ref>
<ref name="Portrait of a Killer">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="Portrait of a Killer" }}</ref>
<ref name="Paper Trail">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="Paper Trail" }}</ref>
<ref name="That Special Someone">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="That Special Someone" }}</ref>
<ref name="One Last Thing">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="One Last Thing" }}</ref>
<ref name="If the Price is Right">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="If the Price is Right" }}</ref>
<ref name="Mr and Mrs Bellic">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="Mr and Mrs Bellic" }}</ref>
<ref name="The Revenger's Tragedy">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="A Revenger's Tragedy" }}</ref>
<ref name="A Dish Served Cold">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="A Dish Served Cold" }}</ref>
<ref name="Out of Commission">{{cite video game |title=Grand Theft Auto IV |developer=] |publisher=] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=] and ] |version=1.0 |level="Out of Commission" }}</ref>

<!--
The following are references that have been removed from the lead, but can be re-used (probably in the Reception section).

Game Informer (Best Games of this Generation):<ref name="GTA IV_GI">{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/blogs/editors/b/gireiner_blog/archive/2011/08/18/my-top-25-games-of-this-console-generation.aspx?PostPageIndex=2 |title=My Top 25 Games Of This Console Generation |date=11 August 2011 |publisher=] |accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref>

Empire (100 Greatest Games of All Time):<ref name="GTA IV_Empire">{{cite web|url=http://www.empireonline.com/100greatestgames/default.asp?p=16 |title=The 100 Greatest Games Of All Time |date=11 August 2011 |publisher=] |accessdate=2 May 2013}}</ref>
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}}

'''Bibliography'''
* {{cite journal |title=Grand Theft Auto IV Review |publisher=] |journal=]|issue=189 |date=June 2008 |pages= |url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/grand-theft-auto-iv-review/ |ref={{harvid|Edge|2008}} |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6SZU4oClJ |archivedate=13 September 2014 |deadurl=no }}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote|Grand Theft Auto IV}}
* {{Official website|http://www.rockstargames.com/IV/}}
* {{Official website|http://www.rockstargames.com|name=Official Rockstar Games website}}

{{Grand Theft Auto IV |state=expanded}}
{{Grand Theft Auto}}
{{Rockstar Games}}
{{Euphoria Engine games}}
{{active editnotice}}<!-- See ] -->

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Revision as of 23:22, 23 February 2015

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