[Scarlett.]

One of the most eagerly-anticipated games of 2008 is to miss its expected Easter launch date, according to a senior industry trade paper.

Grand Theft Auto IV, which was predicted to be released during the Easter break, will now go on sale on April 25, claims MCV.

Although Rockstar claims the announcement is "rumour and speculation", MCV revealed it obtained the launch date from "sources close to the game's publisher".

If the release date is correct, other publishers will undoubtedly be pleased as - without one of the most high-profile games of the year - it allows them to cash in on the lucrative Easter period.