How much did it cost to create GTA IV?  About $50 million?  The cost to produce the top-notch games are in the millions, but I don't think I've seen a single game cost that much.  Perhaps, based on the payouts thrown around for the HD movie market, that payout could/should have resulted in GTA IV being exclusive to the 360, it would be a bit more understandable.  But for some DLC?  Especially if the DLC isn't available for another 6 months?  Based on that time frame, Take Two probably only began work on it this year.

Nice to have, but I personally wouldn't pay more than $10 for any DLC.  I've purchased Warhawk, GHIII, Motorstorm and some complete games for less than $10.  I still have a problem paying anything for something I see as material that should have been in the original shipped game.

Apparently, it's news to everyone at RS:

"Has anyone else noticed that BillCable is gone? This was his last post and it was on 3/3/08 "

OK, just finished reading the back-and-forth between VR members (Are we calling The Revolvers?).  With all the talk of Dr Pepper and Chinese Democracy, I'll post the links and quotes here:

March 20, 2008

Weiland told the sold-out crowd in Glasgow, Scotland, UK: "You're watching something special... the last tour by VELVET REVOLVER."

The following day, March 21, 2008, Matt Sorum posted his blog:

Hey all you great Fans,

So last night was interesting. Had a little band turmoil on stage as you probably all could tell. Being in a band is a lot like being in a relationship. Sometimes you just don’t get along. I guess there has been more turmoil lately I guess with the cancellations and all.

It has been frustrating I am not going to lie. My career and life in Rock n Roll has come with its ups and downs. Unfortunatly some people in this business don’t realize how great of a life they have. Touring the world, meeting great people and fans all over the world. And just playing music for a living. I feel truly blessed. But sometimes the road can be draining for some, being away from home and family does grind on you sometimes. With all the traveling and different beds. Personally I Love this **** and sometimes can’t believe I am so lucky to still be doing what I do for a living.

Everybody could see who was unhappy lastnight but all I can say is Let’s keep the Rock alive people!!!! In this life u just pick up and keep moving. And don’t ever let anybody stand in your way. The TRUTH Rock On!!!!!!

Matt

Weiland responded the same day at Blabbermouth.net:

"Well, first of all, the state of my family affairs is really none of his business, since he is too immature to have a real relationship, let alone children. So don't attempt to stand in a man's shoes when you haven't walked his path. Secondly, 'keeping rock 'n' roll alive?' I've made many attempts to remain cordial with the members of VR, but mainly, the likes of you. Funny though — this is your FIRST band, as opposed to being a hired gun. I've been making records (now on my ninth), which have sold over 35 million copies worldwide and have maintained a level of professionalism regardless of how many drugs I've ingested into my system. I have only cancelled one tour during the entire course of my 16-year run and that was the 'make-up' Australia tour. Now, shall I open that can of worms, Matthew? Release the Kraken? Serve... Volley! You cancelled the Aussie tour in the fall because you went to rehab, but I won't say why… we'll just let Blabbermouth find out for themselves.

"As for our fans — I will sweat, bruise, and bleed for you. And will continue to do so until the end of this tour. However, you deserve to hear VELVET REVOLVER playing… not certain individuals singing along to get a muddied up sound. God forbid — could one imagine if I grabbed a guitar and started soloing along with Slash? That would never happen because I know my place. It's a shame… we were a gang. But ego and jealousy can get the better of anyone. I wish the best and plan to annihilate the stage in the last few shows.

"On a separate note, we did an STP [STONE TEMPLE PILOTS] photo shoot before this tour and it was fun, inspiring and it gave me that thrill — that feeling that got my rocks off from the get-go."

On April 1st (no April Fool's joke), the original 4 members of VR (are we calling them The Revolvers?) announced they were parting ways with Weiland with the following statement:

"This band is all about its fans and its music, and Scott Weiland isn't 100 percent committed to either," guitarist Slash said in the statement. "Among other things, his increasingly erratic onstage behavior and personal problems have forced us to move on."

Weiland, of course, responds on April 2nd:

SCOTT WEILAND STATEMENT:

After reading the comment by Duff, Matt, Dave and the illustrious "GUITAR HERO," Saul Hudson, a.k.a Slash, I find it humorous that the so called four "founding members" of Velvet Revolver, better known to themselves as "the Project" before I officially named the band, would decide to move on without me after I had already claimed the group dead in the water on March 20 in Glasgow.  In response to Slash's comment regarding my commitment, I have to say it is a blatant and tired excuse to cover up the truth.  The truth of the matter is that the band had not gotten along on multiple levels for some time. On a musical level, there were moments of joy, inspiration, fun... at times, but let's not forget the multiple trips to rehab every member of the band had taken (with the exception of one member, no need to mention his name).  Personally speaking, I choose to look forward to the future and performing with a group of friends I have known my entire life, people who have always had my back.  This also speaks to my commitment to my music and my fellow band mates in STP and to the fans who I feel would much rather watch a group of musicians who enjoy being together as opposed to a handful of discontents who at one time used to call themselves a gang.

p.s. don't be fooled by veiled trickery

p.p.s good hunting lads, I think Sebastian Bach would be a fantastic choice.

You couldn't write this stuff!
I am disappointed in the breakup as I was really getting into the Librated album.   
Slash has also gone on record saying the band (are we no longer calling them The Revolvers?) has someone already in mind to replace Weiland, and worked with him before the Europe tour.  Had he been ready, VR might have dumped Weiland earlier.  The fact that Slash wanted to start recording a new album this month with VR and Weiland was making plans to tour with STP only added to the problems the band was having.  I guess this gives Slash time to make another solo album.

I know we all like to blame for Axl for the destruction fo GNR, but with all the well-publicized drug problems of Duff and Slash, perhaps Axl was actually in the right???  Hell, even before the Illusions were drawn up, Axl was on-stage saying that certain "members" of the band needed to clean up their act if the band were to stay together.  I can see a situation where Slash claims to be the victim of the GNR debacle, but should also shoulders the blame.  Love that "illustrious Guitar Hero' comment by Weiland tho!

I have to read Slash's book and last year's unauthorized GNR biography now.

Most games you buy from the PS Store are kid-friendly.  Puzzle, racing, arcade space shooters games.  Sony has really done a great job with the online store.  Stardust, Pain, Everyday Shooter are all highly recommended games, along with Puzzle Fighter, Calling All Cars. etc.

The songs will never live up to the hype.  But the material is good.  Of course, with band members coming and going, it doesn't make sense to release recorded material with people that are no longer in the band.  The band and sound changes everytime someone joins the band.

No one can doubt Buckethead's skills, but after he left, all that recorded material was useless.

Quote from: Carpeteria3000 on December 13, 2007, 06:31 PM

Danny Devito presents... the best cover of all time, man.

Hmm.  An awful cover of an awful cover of what was a pretty awful song to begin with.  Thanks, Fergie.

Ugh....that was horrible.  Someone needs to quickly tell Fergie to stick to her "Humps" style music and the occasional background vocal on BEP songs. 

And what the hell was the audience listening to that prompted them to do a standing ovation?!? 

Found this the other day: Carrie Underwood performing "Sweet Child O'Mine".  And if you can't play the guitar parts even half as good as Slash, then don't play it all. 

Wonder which Idol exectutive told blondie to start singing this song?  Seriously, I need a name so I can find him and shoot him. 

Now that was rather uncalled for. I know nothing of the story beyond what you posted, but it's quite possible the conception was accidental and she didn't want to abort it. This would actually fit with the no-nudity thing and would not be a reason for bashing but more of a "well sucks to be you" moment.

True, but I get sick of hearing her stance on no nudity.  She says it every couple of months, without fail.  According to the reports, she broke up with the supposed father last summer since he didn't want to commit.  Now, she is pregant and unmarried.  Just personally annoying since she seemed to be a "goodie-to-shoe" and then gets knocked up by a guy she broke up with earlier this year.

Nonethless, she is still one of the most beautiful women in the world.