According to Variety, GTA IV, which already holds the title of “the most anticipated game of 2008” could also become a blockbuster. Quoting several unnamed industry analysts, Variety predicts that the latest installment of the GTA franchise will register sales of $400 million for the first week of availability.

If their forecast will turn true, GTA IV will gain not only the title of the best debut in videogames industry, but also the title of “the biggest debut ever for an entertainment product”.

Last year, Microsoft has invested $10 million in the launch of Halo 3, the last “chapter” of the trilogy created by Bungie Studios, and their effort paid off as the game grossed $300 million in the first week.

Halo 3 brought Microsoft more than $170 million in the first day of availability, surpassing by far its predecessor (Halo 2, with “only” $125 million) and last year’s “Spiderman 3” ($67 million).

However, GTA IV has the potential to surpass the record sales of “Halo 3”. Unlike Microsoft’s game, which was available only for Xbox 360, Rockstar’s creation has also a version for PlayStation 3. Variety also predicted that the game will sell about 6 million units after its launch.

GTA IV was initially scheduled to be launched on October 16, 2007, but in August the Take Two officials decided that there is no way the development team could meet the goal of perfecting the engine in time to meet the deadline.

For the first time in the history of the franchise, GTA IV will offer multiplayer capabilities, with up to 15 modes, each of them supporting up to 16 players.

Besides the standard version, which costs $59.99, GTA IV will be also offered a Special Edition. The game is presented in a customized Grand Theft Auto metal safety deposit box.

The box will contain: Grand Theft Auto IV with special packaging, the Grand Theft Auto IV Art Book, featuring never-before-seen production artwork from Grand Theft Auto IV, selected soundtrack CD from Grand Theft Auto IV, featuring new material from top artists, only available on this release, an exclusive Rockstar keychain for the safety deposit box keys Those gamers who eagerly await the Special Edition will have to spend $89.99 in North America or 89.99 euros in Europe.