Nintendo, Take-Two, GameStop Optimistic for GTA: Chinatown Wars Long Term Prospects

Recently, the March 2009 sales results for Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars were reported to be 89,000 by the NPD. While these results are below the estimates of some, and were considered disappointing by others, MTV's Multiplayer revealed that neither Take-Two nor GameStop are panicking yet.

"We're confident in the game, and we think it has long-term potential for success," said Take-Two spokesman Alan Lewis. "We're trying to pioneer mature games on the platform." 

"GTA: Chinatown Wars is exceeding our expectations and illustrating the power of the franchise on a new platform," said GameStop spokesman Chris Olivera. "We've seen a solid lift in sales of Chinatown Wars following the launch of the DSi and believe that the product will continue to enjoy a long life at our stores as the buzz around the new handheld gaming experience continues to grow."

Nintendo was also very assertive, noting to MTV that the game has long term potential, despite difficulties of an "M" rated title trying to take root on the DS. "Chinatown Wars is performing in line with AAA titles that have come to our platform like Spore or Lego Star Wars," said Steve Singer, Nintendo of America's vice president of licensing. "Those games went on to have very different life-to-date sales numbers."

"I think strategically, this is a very important game because it helps send the message that great M-rated content can come to the platform and will find a home," added Singer. "I think all it's going to take is time."