The news that we all knew was coming has finally arrived. Impressively, but not shockingly, the New York Times has reported that GTA IV has sold six million units within its first week on shelves, grossing an estimated $500 million. One million of those copies were sold in the UK, breaking records across the pond as well and proving that GTA’s influence reaches far beyond the shores of North American pop culture.

In terms of opening day sales, GTA IV debuted with 3.6 million units sold in its first day at a retail value of about $310 million. Looking at its first week earnings, the franchise has become the new holder of the most successful entertainment release ever, breaking Halo 3’s first week earnings of $300 million and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World End’s previous record of $404 million. Obviously there are several factors lending to this financial success, such as the higher price of games and the wider availability of GTA IV on two different consoles, but the numbers remain nothing to scoff at. It still remains to be seen how these new records will influence EA’s persistent attempts at acquiring Take-Two, but one can only think that such success would force EA to raise their asking price.

We’ll leave you with a statement made by Take-Two’s chairman, Strauus Zelnick: "We knew Grand Theft Auto IV would break new ground in terms of the player’s experience, with its compelling story line, extraordinary gameplay and action that ranges over a broad urban canvas. Now, it has broken sales and rating records as well. We congratulate the entire Rockstar team on creating a must-have experience that takes the legendary Grand Theft Auto franchise to a new level."