Sony Not Threatened By Grand Theft Auto DLC on Xbox 360

Sony's Scott Steinberg says he doesn't feel threatened by the exclusive downloadable content for Grand Theft Auto IV on the Xbox 360.

Microsoft was able to secure a deal with Grand Theft Auto developer Rockstar Games for exclusive downloadable content for the Xbox 360 version of the game, while PlayStation 3 owners will only have access to the material included in the standard release. In an interview with GameDaily, however, Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing at Sony Computer Entertainment America, doesn't think the potential for extra content gives Microsoft a significant advantage.

"(Microsoft) spent the GNP of several small Latin American countries to get that (content), and if you've ever played San Andreas... there's a lot of game to Grand Theft Auto and there's going to be a lot of game to Grand Theft Auto IV to the point where I think most people will have that Grand Theft Auto experience on the PS3, day and date, same core game shipping on the 360."

Steinberg also suggested that Sony could effectively counter Microsoft's downloadable content with its own releases of entirely new games. "Perhaps they'll be shipping some episodic content in the fall, but there is a whole lot of product shipping on the PS3 in April and I personally don't think there's going to be a huge percentage of folks who jump into downloadable content for another price when they're still playing the core product," he said.

"So while I do think having that brand on their system was a move for them which they felt they needed to make because they cut a big check for it," he continued, "I think PlayStation fans know the Grand Theft Auto experience on the PS2 is how they grew up playing Grand Theft Auto, and when you combine GTA IV with MGS 4 and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, all the exclusive content that we've got going forward, I think that goes from tipping point to shoving point for consumers who are on the fence, wondering what platform should I buy."