Nachdem gestern bereits Grand Theft Auto IV angekündigt wurde, folgt heute die nächste Top-Meldung direkt von Rockstar Games! Wie wir bereits kürzlich berichteten, sicherte sich Rockstar Games die Lizenzsrechte für den Namen GTA Vice City Stories. Nach dieser "inoffiziellen" Ankündigung des neuen GTA-Ablegers für die PlayStation Portable folgt nun die offizielle Variante:

New York, NY - May 10, 2006 - Rockstar Games, the universally-renowned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is proud to announce Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. Developed by Rockstar Leeds in conjunction with series creators Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories will be available exclusively on the PSP system in North America on October 17th, 2006 and Europe on October 20th, 2006.

"The success of Liberty City Stories on the PSP system was nothing short of spectacular," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games and Executive Producer. "The incredible PSP system technology allowed us to do things we never thought possible on a handheld system and we are excited to once again give our audience a fresh experience in one of their favorite locales in the Grand Theft Auto series, Vice City. With Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories we look to once again smash expectations of portable gaming, bringing an all new story and exciting new gameplay elements to this classic setting."

"Our collaboration with Rockstar Leeds has been a tremendous experience," said Leslie Benzies, President of Rockstar North. "Together we have been able to create uncompromising experiences on the PSP system that not only stay true to our initial vision for the series but that surpasses our own goals of what could be done on a handheld. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories will thrill longtime fans and excite new PSP system gamers like never before."

"We are proud of what we were able to achieve with Rockstar North on Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories," said Gordon Hall, President of Rockstar Leeds. "By staying true to the high standards of the series and surpassing fans' expectations for a Grand Theft Auto title on a portable machine we feel confident that Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories will redefine what handheld gaming is capable of with the most intense PSP system experience yet."

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is a new game in the Grand Theft Auto series with an entirely new storyline, new missions and gameplay that brings an unprecedented experience to mobile gaming. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories features the interactive, open environment of Vice City with professional voice talent, a diverse soundtrack and high production values that have become trademarks of this landmark series.

Nach dem mobilen Ausflug nach Liberty City geht es nun also erneut ins sonnige Vice City. Erscheinen wird der Titel hierzulande am 20. Oktober 2006, also bereits in etwa fünf Monaten. Wie auch sein Vorgänger, bietet auch GTA Vice City Stories eine völlig neue Storyline, damit auch Kenner von GTA Vice City ein völlig neues Spielerlebnis erfahren. Wie gewohnt, stellte Rockstar Games auch unmittelbar eine offizielle Seite ins Netz, die bisher jedoch lediglich das Logo und den Releasetermin zeigt.