In a recent email regarding Take-Two's decision to delay Grand Theft Auto IV to next year, Sony Computer Entertainment America's PR chief Dave Karraker explains that while the PlayStation 3 will only stand to benefit from the game's launch whenever it occurs, its temporary absence will not spell trouble for the next-gen platform. That is to say, SCE is not relying on a single game's release to justify the PS3, and the company will be counting on a variety of other game titles to help draw in gamers with or without GTA IV in 2007.

We've no reason to doubt SCE's conviction, but it goes to show you the impact of GTA IV's delay when even the console giant itself saw fit to comment straight away in order to maintain consumer confidence in their platform. It certainly doesn't help that rumors are already circulating suggesting the PS3 itself was a root cause for the delay in the first place. According to Karraker:

"Naturally, all of the hardware manufacturers would love to have Grand Theft Auto IV released as soon as possible, but this is such an important franchise we support Take-Two in taking as much time as they need to make a great game.

"No single game makes or breaks any PlayStation platform. Rather than rely on one hit game, we prefer to offer consumers a wide choice in software, appealing to a broader audience beyond just the hardcore gamer."

Wolfwood via next-gen.biz »