The quickest way to annoy Microsoft PR is to question why they would be happy about Grand Theft Auto IV’s delay.

The company line, as I found out this week at a Xbox Holiday Press event, is that MS isn’t disappointed by the title’s 2008 shift. In fact, one might even say they’re down right giddy about it. They explained that the delay will 'allow gamers to focus on the other titles in this year’s holiday lineup.'

That has a nice ring to it, but it doesn’t sound honest. This is business for them. Microsoft wants to make money. And, when you think about it, wasn’t there a recent deposit to the tune of $50 million into Rockstar’s account? [Only Registered and Activated Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register...]

The $50 million itself was to ensure the exclusivity of episodic content on Xbox Live. And that business move was to lure GTA loyalists away from Sony consoles. And when is the best chance to snag those loyalists? Why, the holiday season, of course.

The millions that Microsoft sank into that new content seem a bit less shiny when you consider the fact that the core game won’t be coming out until the extra downloadables might have been ready. Add to that the obvious frustration on M'Soft's side if the delay was in fact caused by PS3 programming troubles (as has been rumored), and you've likely got a pretty cranky software giant on your hands. The opposite of this happy-go-lucky attitude they suddenly sported at the event.

So, I asked.

"Excuse me, but - the money Microsoft paid to Rockstar was quite a hefty chunk. Now I'm not saying this was a bad business move, but it was clearly designed to pull GTA-Sony loyalists to your side. So are you saying that the millions you guys paid out of pocket to get gamers into Microsoft hands for the holiday rush wasn't wasted in any way?"

The Xbox rep grinned uneasily, "I never said we gave Rockstar money. I don't think we ever –"

"I'm not asking if you said it, I'm suggesting that your plan was blown out of the water a bit because now there isn't as much of a draw for 'converts'."

And then there was a brief, awkward silence and more assurances that, really -- hey, for serious -- Microsoft is totally happy about GTA IV being delayed.

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