GTA 5: 2012 Release Date Unlikely, Launch Timing 'Doesn't Matter' - Analyst

Grand Theft Auto 5 is unlikely to hit retail in time for Christmas 2012, despite Rockstar teasing the game heavily this week, according to EEDAR analyst Jesse Divnich.

"Rockstar has the best marketing and promotions team in the industry.  They are very methodical on when they decide to release assets, and they most certainly do not follow the standard video game marketing script," he told NowGamer.
 
"I believe Rockstar is playing their cards very close to the chest, but they understand the need to continually tease consumers on GTA V's pending release."

GTA 5 has experienced it's heaviest promotion this week since the announcement trailer launched way back in November 2011. Gamers still shouldn't bank on a 2012 release though, Divnich added.

"A Christmas release is probably out of the realm of possibility at this point. Competitors have already placed their stake in the ground and while GTA V has no direct competitor, the combination of 2 to 4 great Action and Shooter titles this season could produce problems for a GTA holiday release."

Assassin's Creed 3, Halo 4, Black Ops 2, Hitman Absolution and Resident Evil 6 are among the titles launching October and November.

GTA 5's release date won't be dictated by a seemingly 'favourable' schedule either, Divnich reasoned.
 
"It's GTA V, release timing doesn’t matter.  GTA IV launched in April of 2008, and prior to its release April was considered the "worst" month to launch a title."
 
Rockstar doesn't "view seasonality as a hurdle," added the analyst.

GTA 5 could be getting another three new screens later today if Rockstar sticks to its recent pattern of dropping assets.