Apparently crime does pay—at least for Rockstar Games.

“Grand Theft Auto IV,” the latest in the company’s game series, went on sale to lines of frothing shoppers starting yesterday, and Reuters says its on track to steal a cool $400 million in the first week. It could also crush the previous sales record held by Microsoft’s “Halo 3,” with estimates stating that 13 million games could be sold by the year’s end.

The game allows players to live like Nikolai “Niko” Bellic, an immigrant whose American Dream looks a bit more like a bloody nightmare.

Despite the obvious controversy surrounding a game that depicts sex, drugs and super-violence, the game has opened to very good reviews.

Forget about lines forming the night before. There was such a frenzy surround the game’s release, stabbings and muggings occurred. Talk about life imitating art!

“Grand Theft Auto IV” retails for $60. Get a little taste for blood with the trailer listed below. [Warning: It’s violent!]

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.