The previously Xbox 360-exclusive Grand Theft Auto IV add-on games are finally making their way onto the PlayStation 3 and PC platforms.
Microsoft originally paid close to $50 million for the timed exclusivity of The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony, a move revealed before Grand Theft Auto IV’s release in April 2008. Gamers reacted in Microsoft’s favor and the Xbox 360 version of the game outsold the others.
While many around the industry (myself included) expected this news to eventually break, the length of the exclusivity deal was a mystery to many. Thankfully, all of the weapons, vehicles, and music included in the Xbox 360 releases will carry over to the other platforms.
A retail release of Episodes from Liberty City will accompany a digital download option to purchase the two games separately when March 30th rolls around.
Oh, and I’ll totally take the opportunity to plug my review of The Ballad of Gay Tony. When it’s posted. (Ed Note: It’s coming! I’ve been busy! – R.T.)
[Via: Rockstar Games]
That’s a lot of money to pay for timed exclusivity. Mercy.