Is the GTA IV DLC going to be sold at retail?

We’ve been waiting what seems like an eternity for the Microsoft exclusive Grand Theft Auto IV DLC, and not long ago we got word that The Lost and Damned would finally be available for purchase in February. While we were ruminating on whether or not people would actually still be playing the game nearly a year after it was released, it seems as though GameStop was looking for a way to make a little money. According to UK website Gamer.tm, the retailer is planning to sell an in-store version of the DLC.

The original post on GameStop’s website (removed since the story broke) listed the package as containing a "two-sided poster and an Xbox Live Marketplace token card," as well as "a unique code to purchase The Lost and Damned". The listing went on to stress that there was no disc in the package and that gamers would need an Internet connection and an Xbox Live account in order to actually receive the DLC they had paid for. The product was listed for $20 and was scheduled to be released on February 17, the same day the content is set to become available on Xbox Live.

GameStop has not commented on the rumor and the fact that they have removed the listing from their site is quite suspicious. Rockstar is also staying mum, though to be fair this sort of thing really doesn’t concern them much; they get paid either way. I suppose the market for boxed DLC is the same as those who buy the pre-paid Xbox Live cards from stores, but I still don’t see how this is a good idea if it is true. We suspect this rumor is legit, but we’re hoping that if GameStop is really going to ask you to drive to the store and buy DLC that you can download from the comfort of your own home then at least maybe they could throw in something a little more enticing than a poster.

TGR Verdict: Rumor Likely