GTA PSP near U.S. PSP launch

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http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=6204
Grand Theft Auto set to hit PSP near US, European launch

Rob Fahey 15:01 10/01/2005
Major coup for Sony's handheld as long-rumoured GTA title becomes reality

Rockstar Games has confirmed that its massively popular Grand Theft Auto
franchise is on the way to the PlayStation Portable, with a new game set in
Liberty City set to arrive on the platform near its western launch this
Spring.

Both the new Grand Theft Auto title and a version of Midnight Club 3: DUB
Edition are being developed for the system by Rockstar Leeds in
collaboration with Rockstar North and Rockstar San Diego respectively.

"Bringing two of our most successful game franchises to this thrilling new
platform not only gives us an opportunity to create a new dimension for
these already extraordinary series but also allows us to begin to explore
the full potential of the PSP handheld system," commented Rockstar president
Sam Houser.

"Sony's extremely impressive technology has allowed Rockstar Leeds to do
more on a handheld machine than we could have ever imagined," he continued.
"We are very excited for gamers to experience these two genre-defining
franchises in a fashion that could have never before been possible on a
portable system."

While the PSP version of Grand Theft Auto will not be developed by franchise
creators Rockstar North, the company is determined not to allow the quality
of its flagship series slip, according to Rockstar Leeds president Gordon
Hall.

"We are working very closely with Rockstar North and Rockstar San Diego to
ensure that both Grand Theft Auto and Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition remain
faithful to the initial vision of these respective franchises," he commented
today.

One aspect of the Grand Theft Auto title for the PSP which will be watched
carefully by other developers is how the game will handle the streaming of
content from disc - something which the GTA titles on PS2 have relied
heavily upon to create their seamless environments, but which runs the risk
of crippling the battery life of a handheld device.