Sign on Options
Theme:
To Dark

GTAIV: Gay Tony coming out Oct. 29

Second and final Xbox 360-exclusive expansion will arrive two days before end of Take-Two's fiscal year; Episodes From Liberty City double-expansion disc priced at $40.

The second expansion will be much more glamorous than the Lost and Damned.

The second expansion will be much more glamorous than the Lost and Damned.

Two months ago, rumors of an Irish gangster-themed second expansion to Grand Theft Auto IV went up in flames with the announcement of The Ballad of Gay Tony. The game will prominently feature Anthony "Gay Tony" Prince, associate of the Ancelotti crime family in GTAIV. More specifically, it will follow his assistant, Luis Lopez, who popped up in the "Museum Piece" mission featured in both the original game and the first expansion, February's The Lost and Damned.

Now, the second and final expansion, which concerns criminal intrigue in Liberty City's high-end nightlife, has been definitively dated for October 29. It will be offered a la carte on Xbox Live for the price $19.99/MSP1,600 or at stores as part of the disc-based title Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City. Retailing for $39.99, the latter bundles the Ballad of Gay Tony with the Lost and Damned and, interestingly, does not require the original GTAIV to play, as the downloadable expansions do.

Along with releasing the first concept art from the Balland of Gay Tony (pictured top), Rockstar began accepting preorders for Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City directly from its online store, the Rockstar Warehouse. For more details on the first Grand Theft Auto IV expansion, check out GameSpot's look at the add-on, or watch the video hands-on of its multiplayer mode below.

305 Comments

  • lukays

    Posted Sep 1, 2009 8:22 am GMT

    @Rx_Nightmare. I know, and I didn't say it was. I said I was glad to see gay people being REPRESENTED (because there are gay characters in the game even though they are not the protagonists) in games like GTA, and I also said that I HOPE game makers will create games led by gay characters SOON (as "in the future"). OK?

  • Rx_Nightmare

    Posted Aug 31, 2009 1:04 pm GMT

    @lukays

    The game isnt led by a gay character. You play as Luis Lopez, Tony Gay Tony" Prince's associate.

  • lukays

    Posted Aug 28, 2009 10:09 am GMT

    @JAIBOT

    That´s true... they mat be. I cantá be sure they aren´t... you've got a point.
    But... don´t you think we would know if they were? Usually the game makers say if the characters was meant to be gay or not... but you're right. It's always possible they are gay Or bissexual... let´s keep wondering...

    @Dynamo11

    Really? That's cool... maybe Mass Effect is more diverse than we thought. Amazing game...

  • Dynamo11

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 4:04 pm GMT

    @lukays

    My woman character on Mass Effect was a lesbian... sorta

  • wakko12

    Posted Aug 21, 2009 11:52 am GMT

    what's up with the game name

  • JAIBOT

    Posted Aug 16, 2009 4:26 am GMT

    Who says that the characters from Mass Effect or Splinter Cell or Assassin's Creed aint gay

  • B1RDH0UZ3

    Posted Aug 15, 2009 7:41 pm GMT

    sounds frisky

  • lukays

    Posted Aug 7, 2009 2:14 pm GMT

    Awesome that we have gay people being represented on such a popular game like GTA!! I hope the game makers will work on original games lead by gay characters soon. It will be amazing to have a game like Mass Effect or Splinter Cell, Assassin's Creed... in which the protagonist is a gay man or a gay woman.

  • seanbrandowen

    Posted Aug 7, 2009 6:49 am GMT

    Nope sorry bud it will be a download

  • JaCkT794

    Posted Aug 6, 2009 6:58 am GMT

    wait, could someone please tell me is it going to be on a disk? So you wouldnt need xbox live?

  • zaibutzu

    Posted Jul 30, 2009 10:33 pm GMT

    Oh man. It is a sad news for all PS3 gamers like me, who can't play this game.

  • namelessfire

    Posted Jul 29, 2009 12:31 pm GMT

    @ xolivierx

    The term retardo really gives you merit. Sure your comments on the quality of the story is subjective, although it in my opinion has a very telling and relative story that captures the essence the corruption of the american dream, but he controls and depth of this game is not. the design of the city, the controls, the missions, and even the tiny details (radio stations, tv shows, pedestrian dialogue, ads, mini games, etc.) have been polished to perfection. If you truly hate this game enough to put out such an ignorant and ill informed comment like that then its your loss to not enjoy such an amazing game.

  • maldoror19

    Posted Jul 27, 2009 3:43 am GMT

    @ xolivierx

    gta is a parody of American culture. It points out the things that are wrong with the culture and makes fun of it. (ie The Simpsons, Bill Hicks and Bruno) Simple as that. The most interesting thing to be said about the gta series is the impact it has had on that very same culture it is making fun of. The game perfectly captures what actions someone should avoid and reject in life, but by doing so, allows and encourages the player to participate in these actions virtually. So, whether you are an anthropologist or a down right sociopath, it appeals to both ends of the spectrum. Puting this in connection to the topic, I don't believe a gta film could achieve that line between commentating on culture and influencing it anywhere close to the way the games already do. In example; the only film I can think of that does achieve this is Fight Club.

  • Tygraph

    Posted Jul 26, 2009 9:31 pm GMT

    @ xolivierx

    I'm sorry to say this but your input on the game is voided. If all you care for in a sandbox game as expansive as this is killing hookers, shooting gangs, and you having an inability to aim, then you are mediocre and the game is not. If you were skilled at games and had the mental capacity to navigate the missions and gameplay with a sense of understanding and aknowledgement then you would have something to argue about. If you can logically explain how there is "no substance" and that this game is "trash" then be my guest. Seems like you are the one of the few to try and say Rockstar has pulled something out of their ass. Having a broad disapproval of a cultural game doesn't make you cool, buddy. I hope you enjoyed getting destroyed logically.Thanks for taking it like a champ. -Tyler

  • diablo_del_bano

    Posted Jul 26, 2009 9:00 pm GMT

    Actually Judaism is the reason the Bible says homosexuality is wrong, the parts most often used to demean homosexuality are from Leviticus, which has more in common with the United States Code than an actual religious text. You see, the people who wrote the Bible wanted sex to be purely reproductive, which is why it has extensive codes outlining procedure for intercourse, which includes banning homosexual sex and masturbation Thanks to Christianity adopting large chunks of the Jewish Bible, and then spreading throughout the western world, homosexuality is still considered a deviance by much of the western populace.

    Thanks to society, there may actually be people who do not buy this because of an irrational fear of the Gay Boogeyman'

  • SalarianChemist

    Posted Jul 26, 2009 6:01 pm GMT

    @brendanhunt1:

    The Native Resolution of Grand Theft Auto 4 on the Playstation 3 is only 640p. The same can be said about many other games, such as Saints Rows 2 -- another game in this "sandbox" genre.

    The Native Resolution for Grand Theft Auto 4 and Saints Row 2 on Xbox 360 is 720p. This is why the Xbox 360 versions always have an advantage in terms of which version looks more "sharp" -- regardless of what the resolution is being "upconverted" to.

    The only possible choices for what you want a console to output resolution at are "standards" such as 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. The reason you are seeing "720p" on your screen when playing Grand Theft Auto 4 on your Playstation 3 is because 720p is the type of signal being sent to the HDTV. 720p absolutely does not represent the "Native" Resolution.

    In fact, if you look at the back of all the boxes of Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 games, most of them now say 720p, 1080i, 1080p. Obviously these games are not "Natively" in 1080p. This simply means they are "compatible" with 1080p, 1080i, and 720p HDTV sets.

    The Native Resolution of Grand Theft Auto 4 on Playstation 3 is only 640p. This really is common knowledge that was discussed quite a bit shortly after the game was launched.

  • lev_six

    Posted Jul 26, 2009 5:47 pm GMT

    Blaming international homophobia solely on Christianity is a bit simplistic to say the least, Raykuza, although I agree with your general point about there being a change in cultural attitudes toward same gender relationships over the centuries.

    Gay Tony! Sweet. I hope we can wear flipped clothing.

  • brendanhunt1

    Posted Jul 26, 2009 3:28 pm GMT

    @SalarianChemist
    ive checked on my ps3, gta4 is running at 720p without me changing the settings

  • Eastcoast93

    Posted Jul 26, 2009 1:52 pm GMT

    im getting the disc with both dlcs on it =)

  • Raykuza

    Posted Jul 26, 2009 1:39 pm GMT

    I also hope Bernie makes another appearance. He was the funniest character in that game.

  • Raykuza

    Posted Jul 26, 2009 1:36 pm GMT

    @Darth_Bourkas

    Homophobia (racism, too) is actually a more modern concept. Throughout history there has really been no problemo with homosexuality, examples being Japan and Greece. Then the Romans discovered a tiny rebellious religion called Christianity and spread it across the Western world. Christianity is now the worlds largest religion and somewhere in their holy book it says that homosexuality is a sin. And from there stems the bigotry.

  • Stapp_Iz_God

    Posted Jul 26, 2009 11:07 am GMT

    I agree with xoliverx

  • Smash696

    Posted Jul 26, 2009 10:54 am GMT

    40 dollars? Being a gamer is getting more and more expensive, with thepiratebay being sold.

  • jelly_donut_92

    Posted Jul 26, 2009 9:15 am GMT

    wow even if you dont like this game I can't believe you could begin to call it trash...thats a damn stretch lol and how is the city boring its the most interesting and diverse digital city ever made...and whats with the cell phone preach? lol. and oh no they have an allegdly GAY character? What is next? A transvestite? Wow ur right they're really crazy aren't they...

  • xolivierx posted Jul 26, 2009 12:26 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    xolivierx

    Posted Jul 26, 2009 12:26 am GMT (hide)

    I'm truly sorry to say this, GTA has become a game for retardos. It's all graphics, no substance. Story is boring. Cities are boring. Missions are boring. Shooting gangs gets boring. Killing hookers gets boring. No gun accuracy. The frigging cell phone is REALLY annoying. But again in this modern age, most people have cell phones, not because they really need one, but simply because it's perceived as ''cool'' and ''jet set'' by the mass...what they don't say is the mass is also stupid. I can already see 10 thumbs down for this post lol. Now what, they make a homosexual version of Tony? Is there no limit? A big f123ing bravo for the gaming industry, providing us with trash. No wonder the youths are so messed up.

  • Darth_Bourkas

    Posted Jul 25, 2009 5:04 pm GMT

    Blacks, jews, arabs...etc No group facing social exclusion or racism will ever be as screwed as gays I'm sad to say. Anti religious and racial sentiments get drummed up but pass away as time and globalization take our world, best way to like a group is to just spend time with them. Some people however wil just never ever be comfortable around gays.

  • TAEnemy

    Posted Jul 25, 2009 1:02 pm GMT

    The fact that you people have no problem playing GTA games, games where you can beat anyone to death and engage in drug trafficking and hooker killing, and yet balk at the idea of playing as a *gasp* gay character is absolutely retarded. You idiots love the game in spite of the violence and immoral possibilities that have ALWAYS been there but the very second homosexuality is introduced you run with your tail between your legs.

    That's fine though. History will laugh at you in the same way we laugh at Salem's witch hunters. Have fun being left in the dust!

  • FightnEmu

    Posted Jul 25, 2009 11:47 am GMT

    Those who are commenting about not playing because the main character is gay should be ashamed of themselves. Did any of you not play San Andreas because CJ was black? No, that would be racist, but you guys seem to have no problem being bigots against gays.

  • SalarianChemist

    Posted Jul 25, 2009 9:06 am GMT

    @brendanhunt1:

    The "Native" Resolution of Grand Theft Auto 4 is higher on the Xbox 360. On the Xbox 360 the Native Resolution is 720p, while on the Playstation 3 the Native Resolution is only 640p.

    You are correct that both the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of all games can be "upconverted" to 1080p, depending on how you have your Video Display settings set up on your console. Nevertheless, the Xbox 360 still keeps the fundamental advantage in terms of sharpness, because the Native Resolution is higher on the Xbox 360.

  • brendanhunt1

    Posted Jul 25, 2009 8:21 am GMT

    @SalarianChemist
    actually it is possible to run gtaiv on ps3 at 1080p if you change the settings on the ps3

  • punkpunker

    Posted Jul 25, 2009 8:11 am GMT

    if that woman is a transgender or evenworst the main protagonist. i would be facepalming

  • ernest-young posted Jul 25, 2009 7:42 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    ernest-young

    Posted Jul 25, 2009 7:42 am GMT (hide)

    I ain't touchin' this with a 10 foot pole. Scratch that, a 1,000 foot pole for that matter. I mean, what's gonna be the main plot of the whole download? Him gettin' hits on the cellphone sayin "A whack job" is needed on 21st street?!?

    I don't think so. Homey don't play that. Neither do I.

  • okassar

    Posted Jul 25, 2009 5:40 am GMT

    I could imagine the hilarious lines for this now

    like gay Tony's friend,let's say Bernard would be talking to him a lot about something and eventually Tony starts looking at him wierdly and suddenly says "Bernard,sh shh Bernard,wanna know a secret?"

    "...? ya?"

    "I'm harder than a rock right now"

    LOL!Irl I prefer not to be around gay people just cuz but in a game,it would be funny as hell.

  • king_chapeton15

    Posted Jul 25, 2009 1:21 am GMT

    @salarianchemist

    its ported thats why if companies werent lazy they would outpass what 360 cant even handle its true but to make impressive graphics comes out alot of money

  • diablo_del_bano

    Posted Jul 24, 2009 10:49 pm GMT

    I think it's pretty disgusting that my comment about wanting to play as the gay guy got demoted so much

  • izmickey

    Posted Jul 24, 2009 9:08 pm GMT

    @SalarianChemist

    BTW, you should read the reviews for gta4 on gamespot and ign. It states that there ISNT much of a difference in graphics. With all do respect, Please stop posting exaggerated comments.

  • izmickey

    Posted Jul 24, 2009 8:52 pm GMT

    @SalarianChemist

    What are you talking about? Like i said before, people can barely tell the difference between 720p from 1080p. People have to either have a really big screen or be close to the tv. 640p compared to 720p is not a big deal at all, dont make a big deal out of such a meaningless difference. You know if gta 4 was an exclusive to ps3 the graphics would surpass those of the xbox360 right but since it is harder make ports for the ps3 this is why the xbox360 beats it BY A LITTLE. I wasnt bashing the xbox360, why do you have to bash the ps3?? Saying that its not worth it, is just plain rude man, not everyone has your taste.

  • FightnEmu

    Posted Jul 24, 2009 2:29 pm GMT

    Damn, October is so far away

  • SalarianChemist

    Posted Jul 24, 2009 2:26 pm GMT

    @izmicky:

    Playstation 3 will not receive the expansion packs for Grand Theft Auto 4 -- not ever.

    This is not just a matter of Playstation 3 versions of games taking longer than the Xbox 360 versions.

    For example, games like Lost Planet, Rainbow Six: Vegas, Orange Box, and many others were all released first on the Xbox 360. The Playstation 3 versions released about a year later, yet the Playstation 3 versions still didn't have graphics as good as the Xbox 360 versions.

    Grand Theft Auto 4 is a little bit different. Microsoft "paid" $50 million dollars to get these two expansions developed exclusively for the Xbox 360. Microsoft never paid Capcom or Ubisoft or anyone else to release games like Lost Planet, Bioshock, or Rainbow Six first for Xbox 360.

    The two expansions for Grand Theft Auto 4 are so huge in size that they are about the size of a brand new Grand Theft Auto game. This is the reason why they are being released on a disc that you can play without owning Grand Theft Auto 4.

    Also, it just wouldn't be worth it for people to "wait" for a Playstation 3 version of an expansion, because the Xbox 360 version has better graphics. For example, the Playstation 3 version only runs at 640p resolution, while the Xbox 360 version runs at 720p resolution.

  • LeifLongbottom

    Posted Jul 24, 2009 1:43 pm GMT

    This is cool because now I can rent the DLC.

    I wasn’t (and I’m still not) about to pay $20 for some new missions and a couple of guns. I would’ve put down that money for the landmass that was rumored or if they brought back tanks, miniguns, businesses, and/or rampages (or just the fun) but I think the original had enough missions and not enough extras.

    Hopefully this one wont be as overpriced or overrated but considering the exclusivity, I doubt that on both accounts. I know I’m going to get voted down for speaking the truth but know this xbots, I too have a 360 but I at least know that the schadenfreude you feel at the denial of this on the ps3 wont change the fact that nintendo still has the best GTA so far for this generation: Chinatown Wars... sad but true.

  • plm3d_basic

    Posted Jul 24, 2009 11:20 am GMT

    Wonder how long these exclusives will stay exclusive on the 360.

  • Peaches1347

    Posted Jul 24, 2009 9:38 am GMT

    i might get both of the add ons i am about to complete GTA finally after a year =P

  • Exile07

    Posted Jul 24, 2009 7:51 am GMT

    I wonder if shes Gay Tony...

  • TheBloodRed

    Posted Jul 24, 2009 6:19 am GMT

    I'd play it just for the Gay Tony part, it sounds very humorous.

  • buffdaddy69

    Posted Jul 23, 2009 11:55 pm GMT

    jjgator

    Posted Jul 23, 2009 10:57 pm GMT

    PS2 made GTA and they shaft the PS3. For shame Take Two, for shame. Letting MS buy you like punks""

    If you want me to be a **** about it, Rockstar and The PC technically created the GTA Series with the first Grand Theft Auto which was overhead view

  • buffdaddy69

    Posted Jul 23, 2009 11:54 pm GMT

    jjgator

    Posted Jul 23, 2009 11:01 pm GMT

    "Oh fanboys, I love my 360 and my PS3, shouldn't we focus our hate on the Wii?"

    At least the Wii offers something different. It's stupid to buy both a PS3 and 360, they are too similar. Wii and PS3 or 360 is where it is at. And don't chime in PC gamers, I'd rather not have my system get outdated and have to spend money upgrading it all the time.""

    SIlly Wii defender, The Wii is nothing more then a Gamecube with motion sensor controllers, When Nintendo actually updates their technology to atleast produce 360 style graphics and online up to par with PSN or Live, then the Wii will have something to offer. The Wii can't even run Halo 3, and Halo 3 was nothing more then a shiney Halo 2

  • buffdaddy69

    Posted Jul 23, 2009 11:51 pm GMT

    "angelGP32

    Posted Jul 23, 2009 9:19 pm GMT

    @SPYDER0416: yes it's much easier to get away, but it's way to easy to get the wanted level to begin with, that's what kills the game for me. I actually counted one time and walked around a random city block and counted over 14 police cars and 8 street cops, making it virtually impossible to do anything without getting a wanted level. Hell you'd even find the cops clustered a groups of 5 or more at any random intersection, it's crazy the amount of cops in the game and it ruins the game complete. Even if they made GTA to be more "realistic" which is not what GTA is about, I seriously doubt there are that many cops per city block. The only enjoyment I've got out of GTAIV is playing online by myself with the cops turned off.


    Umm...thats pretty realistic to me, NYC has one of the higest crime rates around next to Philadelphia, Detriot and Jersery. Plus if you go up and shoot 5 people in the face, and then shoot two cops in the face, It would make perfect sense to bring out the SWAT team and such to deal with a socialpath

Subscribe to GameSpot's YouTube Channel

Hot Stories

Newsmakers

Featured Stories

Submit News

Got tips? Send them in!