Grand Theft Auto 4 DLC Coming Next Year?

In our last edition of Rumor Killers we brought you word that Microsoft was expecting to release the first batch of exclusive Grand Theft Auto 4 DLC in November, alongside the new Xbox Experience. Turns out that might just be wishful thinking on Microsoft’s part though, and anyone looking for a reason to go back into Liberty City will have to wait until 2009.

According to a a source close to Rockstar, there is no way the new content will be released until next year, with January or February 2009 being pinned as the early possible dates the new content could make its debut.

The funny thing is, the first batch of DLC was supposed to be out by now, but was delayed so Take Two could "balance its release schedule," whatever that means. So that means that you, oh patient consumer, must be even more stalwart in waiting for the new content.

The biggest issue this raises is that by the time the content is released, will anyone care? Since the first batch will show up 9-10 months after the game’s launch, is anyone still going to be playing Grand Theft Auto 4? The optimist will tell you that this will bring back gamers who have wandered off to other titles, but I get the feeling that by 2009, a lot of people will have already traded it in, and will instead be playing Rock Band 2, Guitar Hero: World Tour, Gears of War 2, and all the other big-name titles coming out this holiday season.

So in short, it looks like Microsoft was being overly optimistic about the prospect of the DLC, and now Rockstar is giving us a dose of reality. We’ll bring you word on official confirmation once we get it, but in the meantime, don’t expect to see Niko and company again until the New Year.

TGR Verdict: Very Likely