The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which is known for the small rating icon they contribute to the the packaging of video games in the US, recently listed a PS2 version of Vice City Stories in their index of video games. The reference to a PS2 VCS has since been removed from the ESRB site. Certain websites are suggesting this is because Rockstar has submitted the title to the ESRB for certification. We tend to agree.
Even though Rockstar has replied with ‘we do not comment on rumour and speculation,’ we here at GTANet have seen enough GTA releases to know that if there’s one thing Rockstar can be relied on, it’s a consistent release schedule. Liberty City Stories came out for the PSP in October 2005, and a PS2 version followed in June, 2006. Vice City Stories was released in October 2006, so all bets are on a summer (read: June) 2007 release for the PS2. Rockstar will most likely officially announce the PS2 version in Take2’s next investor briefing. See you in June!
UPDATE (FEBRUARY 7, 2007):
New York, NY – February 7, 2007 – Rockstar Games, the world-renowned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), announced today that Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories will be coming to the PlayStation 2 system. The title will be available in North America on March 6, 2007 and will be on European retail shelves on March 9, 2007.
Less than a month until Vice City stories comes out for the PS2. Our June prediction was incorrect. See you in March then!