Gamertell

Guinness World Records is trying to get in on the hype surrounding the highly anticipated releases of Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (March 17, 2009) and Resident Evil 5 (March 13, 2009) - and try to sell a few more books - by announcing each of these franchises’ biggest records.

All of this interesting yet useless information was taken straight from the Guinness World Records 2009 Gamer’s Edition book. If you’re interested in padding your resume of random video game facts to impress the ladies or gents, then you might want to pick up a copy of this book of records available in stores now.

Grand Theft Auto Records

Most Successful Entertainment Product Launch

On April 29, 2008, Grand Theft Auto IV generated $310 million of sales worldwide in one day, five times the revenue generated by The Dark Knight in its first 24 hours of release.

Most Controversial Video Game Series

The GTA franchise has been the most consistently controversial game franchise in history. Over 4,000 stories news stories have been published about it, with accusations ranging from glamorized violence, alleged connection with real-life crimes, and the presumed corruption of gamers. Numerous lawsuits have also been leveled against Rockstar Games. GTA IV was evened banned in Thailand!

Largest Voice Cast in a Video Game

GTA IV boasts a total credited cast of 861 voice actors, including 174 actors playing named characters, DJs, and TV voiceovers. Many of the additional 687 voices were volunteered by people who just wanted a chance to be heard in the game.

Highest Production Budget

In an interview with The Times in April 2008, GTA’s producer Leslie Benzies estimated that production costs on GTA IV reached $100 million, smashing the previous record of $70 million set by Sega’s Shenmue.

Largest Grand Theft Auto Environment

GTA: San Andreas features the largest playing area in the series. Up to four times larger than the other GTA titles, it contains three cities, 12 towns, and many miles of virtual countryside with an area of roughly 17 square miles.

Largest In-Game Soundtrack

GTA IV features 18 radio stations playing 218 licensed tracks, beating the previous record of 156 songs set in GTA: San Andreas.

Resident Evil Records

First Live-Action Move Trilogy Based on a Video Game

Starring supermodel Mill Jovovich, Resident Evil (2002), Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004), and Resident Evil: Extinction (2007) have garnered critical acclaim for its crossover from video game to the big screen. The science fiction horror films are based on the same gaming series developed by Capcom.

Highest Grossing Game-Licensed Movies

As a franchise, Resident Evil has generated a staggering $276 million at the box office since 2002. During its U.S. run, Resident Evil: Extinction and Resident Evil: Apocalypse grossed $147 million and $129 million, respectively. 

Site [Guiness World Records: Gamer’s Edition]