A patch has been released for PlayStation 3 users of Grand Theft Auto IV. You will be prompted to download the update the next time you load GTA IV whilst being signed into the PlayStation Network. While download and installation is required to continue playing the game; totaling 18 MB, it shouldn't keep you away for too long.
As for content, the patch addresses certain online issues related to GameSpy's servers being overloaded. Not surprising, considering the sheer number of those playing the game.
Rockstar Games has released a GTA IV patch for Playstation 3 today that prevents GameSpy’s servers from being overloaded and therefore reduces the impact on those servers that were causing the game to stutter and lock up. We continue to monitor the performance of the game both on and offline and will provide further updates as necessary. We want to assure everyone that, together with our hardware partners, we continue to strive to give our fans the best possible interactive entertainment experiences possible. This update will ensure that everyone will experience Grand Theft Auto IV the way it was intended. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused.
Results so far appear to be mixed, if discussion on our forums is anything to go by.
PS3 GTA IV Update Data 1.01 Released
GTA4 dot net Lives!
Welcome to the newest version of GTA4.NET - we hope you like the new design, which was long overdue to say the least. There are still a few issues relating to Internet Explorer 6 that we hope to resolve over the next few days, but meanwhile check out some of the new content we have added:
Random Character Encounters.
GTA IV Friends & Girlfriends
High-End Assassination Missions.
Stevie's Text Message Car Thefts
Desktop Wallpapers.
We will continue to add new content over the coming weeks, and most of that content (including the present content) will be integrated with an interactive map at some point. Remember to register at our forum if you haven't already.
Social Club Update - Social Club Update - The Millionaires Club Launch
Rockstar Games today launched the Millionaires Club - "recognizing and celebrating all of the wealthy seven–figure Grand Theft Auto IV players at the Rockstar Games Social Club." Millionaire status is determined by totaling all of the money you've ever earned in single–player–mode from completing missions, winning races, doing vigilante side–jobs, and fortuitously picking up ‘dropped’ money in the street.
If you would like to see just how rich your fellow Millionaires are, you can mouse over each for a quick glimpse of their lifetime single–player money earned. With three leaderboards ranked by who’s become a Millionaire first, who’s done it quickest, and who is the richest in the City.
And also coming soon to Social Club... the Viral Infection "zombie feature." Sounds interesting, more info coming soon we're told.
Brian - Third (and final) Encounter
The third (and final) encounter with Brian becomes available one week after the previous encounter. Meet him on the corner of Montauk Avenue and Dillon Street during the morning. In the cutscene, Brian reveals that he has entered a rehabilitation program, and "step nine" of the program involves making amends with those he has harmed. Take Brian to the dealers on Asparagus Avenue so he can pay his debts. The dealers aren't satisfied, however, and they turn on Brian with a baseball bat. Take out the dealers and protect Brian, and then drive him back to his apartment to finish the mission. Brian pays you $500 for your assistance.
Brian - Second Encounter
The second encounter with Brian begins at Crockett Avenue in Hove Beach, near the first safehouse in Broker. Brian has developed an unhealthy drug addiction since your previous encounter, and he wants you do him a favour by taking him to Masterson Street where he can collect "the biggest rock in the world." Afterwards, take Brian to his apartment in Wappinger to conclude the mission. The reward for successful completion is $200.
Brian - First Encounter
The first encounter with Brian is unlocked after the mission "It's Your Call." Meet Brian at Iroquois Avenue, next to Roman's cab depot in Broker. There is no action involved in this first encounter, it simply serves as an introduction to the random characters, so all you have to do is watch the cutscene. Brian gives you $100 at the end of his little speech. Money well earned, eh?
Random Characters
There are fourteen "random characters" in total, and they each become available at different stages during the storyline. These characters are represented by the green male and female icons on the radar, and approaching them will trigger a cutscene. These characters are mostly minor characters that featured briefly during some missions, but who didn't have a huge part to play in the story. Completing all of the random character encounters contributes 5% towards 100% completion of the game. You can find a map of all their locations on the in-game internet by visiting "whattheydonotwantyoutoknow.com."
