GTAForums Weekly Issue 11

[Flachbau]

 

 

Week of May 21st - 27th

 

 

 

 

 

Hello and welcome to the eleventh issue of the GTAForums Weekly newsletter! Voting for Season 1 of the GTAF Snap Battle has begun! Last week we mentioned the newly created event here on GTAF where members are encouraged to post their best Snapmatic shots to go along with a provided theme. All entries have been placed in a poll and are divided among each platform to see who will come out on top in Round One. If you're interested in voting for your favorites, head to the polls quickly as voting closes next week!

Many Red Dead fans around the community were not very surprised when Rockstar announced that Red Dead Redemption 2's release would be delayed to Spring 2018. Initially slated for a Fall 2017 release, Rockstar explained that RDR2 would be their first title built from the ground up for the latest generation of consoles, and that extra time would be necessary in order to deliver the "best" experience for their fans. In traditional Rockstar fashion, bad news isn't all that bad, especially when they provide a whole handful (or two) of new screenshots! The breathtaking screenshots provided a closer look into the world of RDR2, which still has an unconfirmed setting. Click here to read the official announcement on Rockstar's Newswire. Do you think RDR2 will eventually be released for PC? Leave a response down below and let us know what you think.

In other news, new topics were created in the News section for Week 11 of the Weekly Vehicle Showdown, as well as a new informative topic regarding GTA Online's "Gunrunning" update. Week 11 of the Vehicle Showdown consists of a battle between the newly reigning champion, the Duke O'Death, and the newcomer, the Pegassi Monroe. At the moment, the Duke O'Death is taking a beating in the polls, as the Monroe leads by a hefty margin. There's still time to vote, so be sure to hit the polls before they close! Kirsty posted a new topic compiled of a whole slew of new Gunrunning details, along with a new screenshot. Expected to finally release in June, the Gunrunning DLC will allow players to join in on the fun of the illegal weapons trafficking around San Andreas, acquire new vehicles, weapons, and so on. You can read more about it by checking out Kirsty's topic here.

GTAForums currently has a total of 14,810,190 total posts (+15,015 from last week) and 704,610 total members (+453 from last week) at the time this is being posted.

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Welcome to the eleventh week of the Rockstar Central! I’m your host, Spider-Vice, and we’ll be highlighting this week’s happenings in the Rockstar Universe. The most eventful week so far..

Grand Theft Auto

Gunrunning info has been announced! Straight to the point, Rockstar has made a rather informal announcement on May 25, showing some new screenshots and details about the next big GTA Online update! According to Rockstar, “Southern San Andreas' illegal weapons trafficking industry rises to the surface in Gunrunning, a massive new update coming this June to GTA Online.”

In the Newswire article, Rockstar mentions mysterious properties up for sale on the Maze Bank Foreclosure website, like underground HQ’s! They also mention “massive tactical, full-service Mobile Operation Centers, complete with new weapon upgrades and deep customization”, along with new weaponized vehicles and more!

Man, oh man, people were waiting for this for a very long time, and now it’s finally coming! The update is slated for June.

Rockstar has also launched a brand-new bonus (tri!) week, including 2x GTA$ and RP in all Special Vehicle Missions through June 12th, and a 25% bonus on Biker Business Sales and Special Cargo Deliveries.

A whole bunch of other bonuses were done by R*, as you can get 25% off:

- Executive Offices, their garages, and all renovations

- The Ruiner 2000

- The Rocket Voltic

- The Rhino Tank

- The Insurgent pick-up

- The Valkyrie

- The Armoured Boxville

- Body Armour

- All Ammo

A few things are also half-price this week, such as:

- All yachts and modifications

- The Luxor and the Swift

- Box/Drum Magazines

- Luxury Finishes

For those with racing in their bloods, this week’s premium races are the same ones as last week, however, starting on May 30th, you will be able to rack up some extra GTA$ with “Ascent", which is locked to the Rocket Voltic; and for those that like to be short on time, next week’s time trial is “Observatory”.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Imagine the following situation. You have an empty cup of water and no water sources nearby. You’re thirsty, and you keep walking to find somewhere where you can fill your cup. After walking for seven months, trying to survive in precarious means, you finally find a water source! You start running to it, until you realize it’s a mirage because you’re water-deprived! As you reach it, you bang your head against a rock and pass out on the ground for one more year.

Yes, Red Dead Redemption 2 was delayed to Spring 2018. In somewhat expected news to some, and unexpected to others, Rockstar released a late Newswire article on Monday May 22, announcing the delay of RDR2 to Spring 2018. Can’t say many people were disappointed, but not only they announced a delay, but they also released seven brand new screens of the game, which is looking absolutely beautiful!

Check out the discussion thread here.

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This week's segment concludes the multi-part series covering the events leading up to the release of GTA V from the very early "hype" days.

With just weeks left until the official release, Rockstar rolled out another update to their travelogue-esque website for GTA V. The new update included info regarding regarding entertainment, security, and fitness within the world of a re-imagined San Andreas. Included with the new site update was new piece of artwork featuring Lester, our favorite awkward heist mastermind, as well as multiple new screenshots. A Lifeinvader web page was also set up shortly after, which as we all know acts as a social network in-game, essentially spoofing Facebook.

 

 

Screenshot of Jack Howitzer's Lifeinvader page

 

 

The Final Countdown

On September 16th, just hours short of the game releasing worldwide, Rockstar compiled reviews and comments from multiple sources like IGN, CVG, The New York Times, and so on. GTA V had received a great amount of praise and high scores all across the board from most, if not all of the reviewers. IGN explained that V tells "a compelling, unpredictable, and provocative" story and claimed that it was one of the "best video games" made. The Guardian praised Rockstar for being able to push the hardware of the 360 and PS3 to it's limits by creating "astonishing" visuals.

 

 

Rockstar also announced the Manual & iFruit Companion Apps for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone. The iFruit app acted as, well, an iFruit phone from the game, and had in-app apps for Los Santos Customs along with a mini-game called "Chop The Dog". Talk about app-ception, huh? With the LSC portion of the app, you could customize and reserve your own license plates and tune your vehicles. The idea was that you could customize your car while not actually playing GTA V- although when completed, the freshly tuned ride(s) would be available in your garage. The "Chop The Dog" mini-game was more than just a gimmick, as it allowed you to earn benefits for taking care of Chop. It was pretty much like a modern virtual pet, or a Tomagotchi! The Manual Companion was just that, an app providing all sorts of information for GTA V. Rockstar explained they couldn't cram everything into one of those "old-fashioned" game booklets you'd get from new games a few years back.

And finally, on September 17th, 2013, Grand Theft Auto V was officially released worldwide for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 consoles. Rockstar provided us with a Newswire post;

"Developed by series creators Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto V pushes the series forward in exciting new ways. For the first time, players can jump in and out of the lives of three simultaneously playable lead characters, experiencing all sides of an interwoven story. Set in a satirical re-imagining of modern Southern California, Grand Theft Auto V offers players the freedom to explore the dense urban metropolis of Los Santos and the wide open countryside of Blaine County; plan and execute a series of epic heists; meet a vast array of strangers and freaks; or participate in a host of activities, from golf to arms trafficking, base jumping to yoga and much more."

 

 

It truly was momentous for Rockstar, as the game that had been in development for many years would then become their most ambitious entry in the series yet. On it's first day alone, GTA V earned $800 million and $1 billion within the first three days of being available. It was announced in October of 2013 that GTA V had broken seven world records, some of which included best-selling video game in 24 hours and highest grossing video game in 24 hours. While V would eventually go on to be re-released for Xbox One, Playstation 4, and PC, Rockstar managed to sell 34 million units for the last generation of consoles alone - and as of May 2017, V has sold 80 million units since it's initial release.

Thank You

We hope you enjoyed reading our mini-series looking back at the hype days of GTAV! While it was something new and fun we thought we'd try out, next week Blast from the Past will return to it's normal "routine" and we will be discussing some things regarding Red Dead Redemption. Throw on your cowboy (or cowgirl) hat and stay tuned!

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News

 

 

 

Rockstar releases details and screens for GTA Online Gunrunning Update

 

 

 

Red Dead Redemption 2 Delayed to Spring 2018 + New Screens

 

 

 

The Weekly Vehicle Showdown (Week 11)

 

 

GTAForums Snap Battle (Season 1)

 

 

 

Xbox One Voting Booth

 

 

 

Xbox 360 Voting Booth

 

 

 

Playstation 4 Voting Booth

 

 

 

Playstation 3 Voting Booth

 

 

 

PC Voting Booth

 

 

GTA Online

 

 

 

Double $ on Special Vehicle Work and discounts until 12 June

 

 

 

Mobile Operation Center

 

 

 

Does your character have any tattoos?

 

 

 

The end of the fun.

 

 

 

Whats your Body Count?

 

 

 

Did anyone else take advantage of the Shark Card bonus this weekend?

 

 

 

Best CEO VIP work

 

 

GTA Online -> Crews -> Events

 

 

 

Los Santos Touring Car Championship PS4

 

 

Grand Theft Auto Series

 

 

 

You know you've played too much GTA when IRL...

 

 

GTA V

 

 

 

Almost 4 years later..

 

 

Red Dead Redemption 2

 

 

 

Red Dead Redemption 2 delayed to Spring 2018

 

 

 

Q4 2017 Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Earnings Conference Call

 

 

 

RDR2 Screenshot Analysis Thread

 

 

General Chat

 

 

 

R.I.P Roger Moore

 

 

 

Manchester Terror Attack

 

 

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@_MK_

 

 

 

 

@BUTAKETSU

 

 

 

 

@Chronic

 

 

 

 

@Iceicelady

 

 

 

 

@inbetweendays_

 

 

 

 

@livejoker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

@Shaundi.

 

 

 

 

@Spectacus

 

 

 

 

@superstreet556

 

 

 

 

@TeeKoo

 

 

 

 

@Testarossa

 

 

 

 

@WHAT!?

 

 

 

 

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For this week's issue, we've decided to head below the equator and into the Patagonia to interview GTAF International forum-leader, @Nico

 

 

unbid: What brought you to GTAForums?

Nico: I've heard about GTAForums for the first time around 2008, when GTA IV was about to be released. However, back then I was registered on the good old GTARevolution site I've mentioned a couple of times, and I was happy to be there. For some reason I cannot remember, in February 2010 I created an account here but I didn't use it until a year later when I needed help with Simple Native Trainer on the PC version of EFLC. Unlike GTAForums, Revolution didn't have specific modding sections and the true modders in the Spanish community weren't easy to contact, so I thought "maybe the English speaking people could help me better". Later, Revolution closed and I came back here during the hype days of GTA V.

What inspired you to create your username?

I would like to say something witty and original like most old timers do when they are asked about their names, but I'm not very original. Is just the shortened version of my name. Previously I used my full name in all the forums was I registered to, but later I felt ridiculous using that instead of a proper nickname. I'm awful for nicknames and naming stuff, the best proof of that is how much I struggle when I try to find a proper name for my drawings on DeviantArt. Making the drawing itself it's way easier than naming it.

Is there any philosophy behind the random sentences on your signature?

Lol, there's no such thing as philosophy in the sentences I use on my signature, or member title. Is just some cool sh*t I like. I started to put sentences on my signature a while back, in 2015 or so. At the beginning they were just quotes from GTA, but later I ran out of ideas and I didn't want to re-use the same ones I used previously so I switched to music lyrics. I started putting music videos on my profile, and I took two different parts of the lyrics of the song I have chosen for my profile to display on both my member title and signature. I don't have a defined timeline for that; if I'm listening a cool song and I feel like it deserves to be on my profile, I just put it on its place replacing the old one in all three places: video, member title and signature.

What has been your favorite part about being an international section forum leader?

Being a led-by isn't as cool as people think. Until now, in my position of international led-by I saw little action on the forum I have assigned, but now with the return of the specific boards for the most popular languages (Spanish and Portuguese for now) I expect to see more action from now on. I hope we can recover the amount of activity we had back in early 2016 before the unification of all the language boards.

Is there anything you want to improve on regarding the GTAF international section?

Well, as I said on the previous reply the most popular language boards have been brought back and I'm very happy with that. Maybe I would make them more visible on the main forums so more people can notice their existence.

What's your favorite part about the forum community?

It's funny, because I consider that the best thing of the forums can also be the absolute worst thing about them. It depends mostly of what section you're looking into. Some members are very interesting people, but at the same time one has to deal with the new, young and slightly misguided people. I reckon that some peeps from the GTAO section are cool, but I don't think it's the general rule.

Which forum member do you feel the closest to?

My friends at Facade in first place, and Zaibatsu in second. Don't get me wrong, I love you all but I got to know the Facade members a bit better since I've been part of it for a longer time than Zaibatsu.

If you were given Admin powers for a day, what would you do?

I don't really know, maybe banning some annoying users and lurking a bit on the hidden forums.

What's your favorite Rockstar Games title or series?

My favorite Rockstar titles are Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto IV and Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition Remix. I never got to play too many Rockstar titles other than the GTA games, though. I wish I could have played Midnight Club: Los Angeles when it was new.

Tell us more about yourself personally. Any favorite hobbies, music, etc?

I'm a very shy, calm and socially inept person. I don't like going outside too much, I'm the kind of guy who sits all day on the computer. Don't like parties, drinking, fighting and drama. In other words, I'm pretty boring for the modern standards lol. As I said previously, I like drawing pieces from cartoons digitally, and now I'm practicing a bit of traditional drawing. In the past I went to model train clubs (I have some model trains as well) but I lost interest in that once the club I frequented the most got burned to the ground. Before that, I collected some Welly model cars, but the interest didn't last long. Regarding music, I like classic, British rock the most, being Pink Floyd and The Alan Parsons Project my favorite bands right now.

Tell us more about your affection for cartoons. What really makes a "good" cartoon?

I never had too many friends in school, and cartoons were more or less an escape from reality when I suffered wondering why nobody wanted to talk to me. I still watch some modern cartoon series online, and I still have my bedroom filled with cartoon posters from my childhood. My family sometimes asks me if I ever plan to remove them. I don't, because seeing them every day makes me feel a bit better, specially after having a bad day. Regarding my criteria for a good cartoon, I believe there should be a balance between seriousness and silliness in the plot. Most of the current cartoons try to be funny by doing ridiculous stuff that only has an effect on young children. I know that most animated shows are targeted towards children, but back in my day (I feel so old saying this lol) shows weren't as dumb as they are today, the parents could enjoy them along with their children. My parents remember a lot of stuff from the shows I used to watch as a kid. You could slightly see some traits from the adult world on shows that were mainly intended for children, and I liked that. Today everything is made with political correctness in mind.

Finally, as one of the avid classic car enthusiast on the forum, why do you prefer classic and vintage car over the modern counterpart?

I reckon I may be a bit judgmental on this, since I still haven't driven a car. But I believe that, in the past, car designs had way more personality and they were easier to recognize and differentiate from others. I can't deny that the industry has progressed a lot on many areas -mainly in safety- but today most of the purchase arguments of a car are the tech gadgets. And that's because the newer generations have lost interest in driving compared to previous generations. Today, the average teenager would rather have the latest iPhone over a driver's license. Nowadays, everything revolves around technology and comfort. Aside from that, the car executives understood that, establishing alliances and sharing assets between companies, they could save tons of money and have bigger profits. The result of this, however, is that most modern cars look the same.

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The Weeknd - House of Balloons / Glass Table Girls

 

 

 

 

 

Toronto based artist The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) wasn't always known for the mainstream, upbeat, pop-like music that we see today in his latest album, "Starboy". House of Balloons / Glass Table Girls is the third track on his debut mixtape "House of Balloons" and delivers a dark, gritty punch.

 

 

Album: House of Balloons (re-released on Trilogy)

 

 

Genre: Alternative R&B, Rap

 

 

Release Date: March 21st, 2011

 

 

Label: XO (re-released under Republic)

 

 

Writer(s): The Weeknd, Doc McKinney, Illangelo

 

 

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- Editor & Publisher, Topics/Snaps of the Week

 

 

- GTAForums News, Blast from the Past

 

 

@slohbur - Graphics Assistant

 

 

@Spider-Vice - Rockstar Central

 

 

@Testarossa - Track of the Week

 

 

@unbid - Interviewer

 

 

Edited May 27, 2017 by Android

[slohbur]

Calculating our recorded results from the past ten weeks gave us an average of 13,120 new posts and 482 new members per week here on GTAF. Impressive, right?

[Nico]

That interview was fun, but I hope my words don't put anyone to sleep lmao.

[Spider-Vice]

I know I warned no one this time about the lack of a community highlight, but it's been a complicated two weeks for me in terms of time, so that should come back beginning next week or the following!

[V4S]

Calculating our recorded results from the past ten weeks gave us an average of 13,120 new posts and 482 new members per week here on GTAF. Impressive, right?

Very cool! With those statistics we should hit 15M posts in about 14 weeks and 800k members in about 198 weeks!

 

Thank you for the outstanding news article!

 

Rhino Tank is misspelled "Rhink Tank"

 

Edited May 27, 2017 by V4S

[Spider-Vice]

 

 

Rhino Tank is misspelled "Rhink Tank"

 

 

Ooh. Don't even recall that happening. That would be a completely different type of tank, lol. Should be fixed in a min. Fixed.

Edited May 27, 2017 by Spider-Vice

[livejoker]

Wow, my eyes grew wide when I saw I had a pic in there. Didn't think I'd ever make the cut. Thanks! As a photograph this really motivates me. I'm sure other photographs featured here get a boost from it, too.

As always, awesome interview and amazing issue.

Edited May 28, 2017 by livejoker