And the award for the cash cow of the year goes to…Grand Theft Auto IV.  There was speculation and even doubt (namely by myself) that Grand Theft Auto IV couldn’t top the numbers that Halo 3 pulled in.  Rockstar and Take Two proudly put all that speculation to bed today.  I can haz job at Rockstar?

Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. said today that Grand Theft Auto IV has surpassed all-time entertainment records for day one and week one sales by dollar value. Released on Tuesday, April 29th, Grand Theft Auto IV, the critically acclaimed video game, has sold through to consumers approximately 6 million units globally with an estimated retail value of more than $500 million in the first week. Grand Theft Auto IV sold approximately 3.6 million units on its opening day with a retail value of approximately $310 million globally.

“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. Grand Theft Auto IV’s first week performance represents the largest launch in the history of interactive entertainment, and we believe these retail sales levels surpass any movie or music launch to date. We congratulate the entire Rockstar team on creating a must-have experience that takes the legendary Grand Theft Auto franchise to a new level,” said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two.

“Rockstar’s goal is to make each new title in the Grand Theft Auto franchise even better than those that preceded it, and Grand Theft Auto IV is a smashing success on that score. Grand Theft Auto IV makes full use of the power of next generation technology, and offers players an experience unique in the interactive entertainment medium. This game sets a new standard in the industry, with critics hailing it as both an artistic and technological masterpiece,” said Ben Feder, Take-Two’s Chief Executive Officer.

Okay, okay.  I was wrong and wrong by a mile.  A man can have his faults can’t he?  I suppose though that this was to be expected considering the fact that Grand Theft Auto IV is a multi-console game but even still, those are some banana numbers.  Join us on an Unscripted Nights Gangsta Paradise event Friday to party with the $500 million dollar machien.