What reviewers/developers/enthusiasts like is not what sells games.

[Barozi]

LordTheNightKnight said:

Lurker said:

The userbases weren't that big when GTA IV came out. The next one will be even bigger.

Userbase does not increase sales.

On HD consoles it does.

If the next GTA will make it this generation (and I believe it will), sales on PS3 and 360 will explode.

If GTA IV came out today an opening of 4m on 360 and 3m on PS3 would have been guaranteed, a bigger drop in the next week, but still bigger than the current 2nd week sales. Now the important part: The legs would have stayed the same or maybe even a bit increased. No way it would sell only as much as back in 2008.

Same goes for Halo 3. Would have sold pretty much the same amount as Modern Warfare 2 on 360. Around 14-15m lifetime.