Aussie GTAIV preorders to get exclusive gamer pics and points

Microsoft today announced that all Australian users who have already preordered, or plan to preorder, copies of Grand Theft Auto IV on the Xbox 360 will receive four exclusive GTAIV gamer pics and 500 Microsoft points. These new additions further add to the list of exclusive features that are found in the Xbox 360 version of the game but are not found in Sony's PlayStation 3 edition of the game. Microsoft announced in 2006 that two lots of downloadable episodic content would appear exclusively on its console starting in 2008.

A representative for Microsoft Australia confirmed to GameSpot AU that the 500 Microsoft points were not locked to the future GTAIV downloadable content, allowing users to spend them any way they like. Asked if this was an incentive offered only to Australians, the Microsoft spokesperson replied, "I'm sure other territories will be doing something different, but this is Australia's offer."

Microsoft confirmed that redemption codes for the bonus points and content would be located inside the game's preorder box and would be distributed by retailers. Grand Theft Auto IV launches in Australia on April 29 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The standard edition will cost A$119.95, while the now-sold-out limited edition preorder bundle costs A$149.95.