Was GTA 4 successful?

Upon its highly anticipated 2008 release, Grand Theft Auto IV was immediately hailed as a masterpiece and commercial juggernaut. Within one week, GTA IV had clocked a staggering $500 million in global revenue. As of today, it remains one of the highest rated and top selling video games ever made.

Rave Reviews Across the Board

GTA IV earned a Metascore of 98/100, securing universal acclaim from critics. Reviewers praised virtually every aspect of the experience, from the gripping narrative to the unparalleled level of world detail and immersion.

Leading review publication IGN awarded a perfect 10/10 score, calling GTA IV "one of gaming‘s most important milestones." GameInformer described it as "one of the very best games I have ever played, and one that will set the bar for open-world video games for years to come."

This critical adulation highlighted GTA IV as a watershed moment for the artistic maturation of the medium. The game told an emotionally complex story lacking traditional heroes, with advanced character AI and detailed world simulation supporting an unprecedented level of environmental immersion.

Record-Shattering Commercial Performance

GTA IV‘s first week haul of $500 million globally smashed entertainment industry records, outgrossing the most successful film and music releases of all time over a similar period.

It sold a staggering 3.6 million units worldwide on launch day alone, generating $310 million to claim the world record for single-day entertainment release revenue.

Lifetime sales now sit at over 25 million copies sold globally, cementing its status as one of the top selling video games ever made.

Comparatively, previous franchise top-seller GTA: San Andreas hit approximately 27 million over its lifetime. While GTA V has since dwarfed all series entries, GTA IV‘s numbers remain stellar.

Lasting Cultural Significance

Over 15 years since launch, GTA IV discourse remains vibrant amongst gaming‘s most passionate communities. Its striking Liberty City setting represents the series‘ gold standard in urban open world design, while aging protagonists like Niko Bellic are viewed as deeper and more compelling than modern counterparts.

Indeed, GTA IV has cast an immense shadow over gaming storytelling, steering the industry toward more mature themes. Dozens of open world titles have attempted to replicate GTA IV‘s arresting narrative energy and city detail – very few have succeeded.

Pioneering Multiplayer Moments

Beyond its peerless solo experience, GTA IV enthralled players worldwide via pioneering online multiplayer. Within one week, over 2.3 million players had logged on to battle through modes like Cops n‘ Crooks and Turf War – many fans‘ earliest experiences with advanced console matchmaking.

Rockstar also released two major story expansions focused on new protagonists, keeping the experience feeling fresh. Combined with fluid platform-pushing graphics, GTA IV represented a huge technological leap for the medium as well.

Still Reigning Supreme

For veteran gamers, developers, and critics alike, Grand Theft Auto IV represents an apex of video game craft – the harmonious convergence of bleeding edge tech and unmatched artistry. With an indelible open world and cast of characters players still mourn today, GTA IV pushed interactive storytelling into a new stratosphere.

All these years later, both its staggering commercial success and continued cultural impact confirm Grand Theft Auto IV as one of the most important, influential video games ever created. An unequivocal triumph by any metric.