Retailers offer 'GTA IV' pre-order freebies

As Britain prepares for the release of the most eagerly-awaited game of 2008, retailers have lined up a series of pre-order deals to tempt buyers of Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto IV.

Keen to make the most of this year's most lucrative video game release, many retailers are offering extras as they bid for gamers' cash.

For the next two weeks, Zavvi is offering all buyers of the £39.99 Xbox 360 game free Xbox Live Gold membership for three months worth £15. Buyers will also receive a collectible GTA IV-themed pre-order card.

HMV is offering buyers 1,000 Microsoft points and a voucher book featuring £130 worth of savings, while GAME is also promoting the Xbox 360 title, offering 500 Xbox Live points and four GTA gamerpics.

GameStation was offering the same deal as GAME, but the retailer says that due to 'unprecedented demand' for the title it has stopped taking pre-orders. A statement read: "Due to unprecedented demand for the standard editions of Grand Theft Auto IV, we are no longer taking pre-orders for this version. We do have the Limited Edition available for pre-order with delivery on launch day."

E-tailer Amazon is offering the title at £34.99 complete with a price guarantee for anyone who pre-orders with them, stating: "If the Amazon.co.uk price decreases between the time you place your order and the release date, you'll be charged the lowest price".

Grand Theft Auto IV is released on April 29 for PS3 and Xbox 360.