On December 2, Rockstar Games released the much anticipated PC version of Grand Theft Auto IV to both retail and digital distribution outlets. Since then, there have been numerous reports of poor performance on current systems and even some cases of textures failing to load.
Forum users at Steam have reported that users of systems which meet or exceed the recommended requirements are treated to results that are lower in quality than the PS3 or Xbox 360 versions. Most of these complaints have been isolated to forum posts and online discussions; however, IGN was able to interview Rockstar Games for an official response to these technical issues.
According to Rockstar, digitally distributed versions of the game purchased through Valve’s Steam service were not downloading properly to user’s systems. Refunds are being issued as per instructions on Voodoo Extreme’s website; however, it’s noted that this is on an exception basis and is not normal practice.
Rockstar’s own support website has been updated to reflect the latest drivers available for download for users of both Nvidia and ATI graphics cards and is encouraging users to update for the best performance. Rockstar maintains that these technical issues are due to “out of date drivers or we don’t support that type of card or you’re under-specced or whatever, it’s always a combination of one of those things.”
Rockstar Games insists that the problems experienced by users are extremely low; in the 1 percent region for complaints received through their customer support line. The developers have gone on record to state that the game has been designed to be “future-proof” and that current hardware will run the game; however, as hardware improves, so will the game’s performance.
In the mean time, Rockstar is urging players to update their drivers, update their Games for Windows Live software, and to update their operating system patches. Nvidia drivers for their current cards are already available but ATI drivers will be delayed until December 10. Grand Theft Auto IV was released for the Xbox 360 and PS3 on April 29, 2008 and sold over 3.6 million units on its first day for release.
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Tindytim I've heard about issues from friends who bought hardcopies. And they all exceeded the recommended system specs. I find it pretty odd that all 3 of my friends that bought this game are part of that 1%. I know I'm certainly wouldn't pick it up, if I hadn't already played it.Reply -
I bought it, found it pretty damn laggy on 25% settings, medium textures and high render quality.. Maybe 15-20 fps if I'm lucky.Reply
I cracked the game, BAM, solid 30-40fps on 100% and very high render quality...
My system is hardly out of date? 3,6ghz core2duo, 4gb 1066ddr2, 88gts512(777/1008)
Runs very well, while using up a little more than 500mb video memory according to options, but only when securom has been defeated.
Am I really supposed to be punished for actually going out and buying this game? -
truehighroller I have the game and here are my specs:Reply
P5Q-Deluxe
Q9450 @ 3.85GHZ
4870 1GB @ 850/925 = 8.11 ATI CCC & Drivers
4GB= 2x 2GB G-SKill DDR2 1066 @ 1156
3x WD Sata2 160GB 16MB Cache RAID 0
SilverStone Decatholon 750W Modular
Vista Ultimate 64 Bit Service Pack 1 , all updates Direct X and all other misc. stuff..
The game has an obvious memory leak in it nd eventually my graphics start disapearing and game will lock up my system.. I would like for them to say upgrade this or that to me because I have everything done already.
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truehighroller asdasd246246I bought it, found it pretty damn laggy on 25% settings, medium textures and high render quality.. Maybe 15-20 fps if I'm lucky.I cracked the game, BAM, solid 30-40fps on 100% and very high render quality...My system is hardly out of date? 3,6ghz core2duo, 4gb 1066ddr2, 88gts512(777/1008)Runs very well, while using up a little more than 500mb video memory according to options, but only when securom has been defeated.Am I really supposed to be punished for actually going out and buying this game?Reply
I find this interesting... Do I smell another law suit?? I think I do it smells like a law suit, it must be a law suit.. I am so fing tired of this god damn secur rom crap. Just fing trash it.. I swear I do not want some crap installed on my Computer that is going to trash all my hard work and all my precious time I have spent on getting my system up to date with all patches exc because now I have a god damn root kit on my PC that has just fing messed everything up.. :endrant: -
truehighroller And yes, I have a legal copy. I bought it from GameStop after the GameSpot downloadable version failed because of some packing error, a file was corrupted and there support number kept hanging up on me saying they were to busy to take my call and their email support takes 24-48 hours to respond so, I said f it and bought a DVD version from their store down the street from me.Reply -
terrible company!Reply
i cant see any texture but the road, no buildings, no people, nothing!
my system is way beyonf the recomanded!
it's a very lame port, not at all.
and i think they meant 1% is not having this problems.
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truehighroller You know what makes me the most angry is that my controller is not being picked up by the game. I have had every other game I have played lately pick it up and work with it right away but, not this one. I think it has to do with Microsoft wanting you to buy their shiaty xbox 360 controller for the PC. I want to use my controller that I paid $50 for thank you very much. Besides for that I really do love the game even though, it needs heavy patching at this point. I want secur rom to die off already as it is the dumbest piece of shiat I have ever seen in my life. I am so supprised they haven't decided to kill this damn thing yet. QUIT PUNISHING PURCHASERS IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Reply -
Pei-chen In the past, PC versions always have higher graphic quality and extra contents. In fact, that's the reason why I always wait for the PC version before I played the game. I guess they really wants to kill PC gaming.Reply