Grand Theft Auto V Release Date Stirs Up Fans

Grand Theft Auto fans have finally been told when they will be able to get their hands on the latest game in the franchise - but not everyone is happy about it.

An open letter signed by "The GTA Team" announced the title would be released on console on September 17 - about four months later than originally planned.

It said: "We know that this short delay will come as a disappointment to many of you, but, trust us, it will be worth the extra time.

"GTA V is a massively ambitious and complex game, and it simply needs a little more polish to be of the standard we and, more importantly, you require.

"To all Grand Theft Auto fans, please accept our apologies for the delay, and our promise that the entire team here is working very hard to make the game all it can be.

"We are doing all we can to help ensure it will meet if not exceed your expectations come September - we thank you for your support and patience."

Some GTA enthusiasts were quick to vent their anger on hearing about the delay.

A user called EzioSteel posted on developer Rockstar Games' official site: "I've been a GTA fan since the original on PS1. This is just a slap in the face to fans.

"It has been handled atrociously and is not promoting a strong bond between supplier and customer."

Fellow user fede01_8 said: "I cancelled my pre-order, gonna buy it used now."

But others were more tolerant, with cj3315 saying: "This really isn't a bad thing.

"Perhaps Rockstar have been looking at what the people want, & are implementing the top features the fans have been asking for.

"No need to apologize to us Rockstar. Keep up the great work guys!"

GTA V has only officially been announced as an Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 release, and other users took the opportunity to ask Rockstar whether the delay meant a PC offering was more likely.

And while many people accepted the need to delay the game, some called on the firm to maintain fans' interest by releasing another trailer, more screenshots or even the box art.

GTA V marks a return to the fictional city of Los Santos, Rockstar's interpretation of Los Angeles, and its surrounding areas.

Los Santos first appeared in 2004's Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

That game, along with 2002's Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, are generally regarded by hardcore fans as being the best games of the series so far.