Financial analyst Michael Pachter presented a rather bleak scenario when he laid out the idea that a possible takeover of Take-Two by rival EA would likely lead to a delay for the eagerly anticipated GTA IV. Pachter mentioned that EA has an “economic incentive” to delay the game, postulating that an extra couple months of polish never hurts, and EA would likely want one of their new flagship franchises to enter the arena just as perfect as possible.

Pachter went on to add that: “Take-Two financially has to get that game out…” indicating that while EA has the cash reserves and credit lines to hold the game back for a couple of months, Take-Two doesn’t share the same luxury. TT needs GTA IV to come out on time and score as a mega hit so they can continue to sway their shareholders away from caving to EA’s increasingly aggressive buyout offers.

It’s no secret that many in the gaming community harbor a disdain for EA. The company which is seen as gaming’s version of the Borg has shown a single-minded obsession with devouring and assimilating Take-Two with no worries about collateral damage along the way. The mere possibility that EA could further delay GTA if they manage to get their mitts on it will only serve to further infuriate consumers who see little to no good in EA’s corporate structure.

In the end it would be prudent to urge caution, and advise GTA fans everywhere that this is a farfetched scenario at best. At this point, the delay rumors are little more than they curious ramblings of a single analyst. At this point, there is no reason to believe that any delay is forthcoming. IF EA buys Take-Two BEFORE GTA IV is released, and IF EA decides that it would be prudent to delay the game for the sake of some more QA, THEN gamers would have every right to be upset. However, as things stand right now you should still plan to call in sick to work or school on April 29 so you have all day to explore every seedy nightclub and each dark alley of Liberty City.