Grand Theft Auto 4 Release: Rockstar's Shift in Tone

• Grand Theft Auto 4 was released in 2008 and marked a tonal shift from previous games in the series.
• Rockstar Games aimed to avoid obsolescence by changing the game's tone from its predecessors.
• The trilogy of GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas had previously released to acclaim and high sales.
• Dan Houser, former writer and creative director, explained the shift as a response to the 'pop energy' of San Andreas.
• Rockstar had established a reputation for innovation by the time of GTA 4's release.