As part of its fascinating Power On documentary series released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Xbox, Microsoft has discussed the time it rejected Rockstar’s pitch to put Grand Theft Auto 3 on the original Xbox back in 2001 – a decision that would lead to the multi-million-selling being snapped up by Sony as a timed exclusive.
The story, which follows similarly candid recollections from Microsoft in Power On – including the recent admission that its closure of Lionhead Studios was one of the company’s “biggest missteps” – comes in the third episode. Here, various members of the original Xbox team discuss Microsoft’s preparations for the console’s launch, which saw group going on a “barnstorming tour” across America, Europe, and Japan to build excitement and convince developers its machine could be a success.
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