Grand Theft Auto 4 is one of the most anticipated releases for 2008. For some reason, though, retailers are offering additional incentives to purchase it. In both Australia and Great Britain, gamers who pre-order GTA 4 for Xbox 360 will also get 500 Microsoft points.

The retailer behind the offer is GAME/GameStation, the UK-based retailer with several stores in Australia. In addition to the free 500 MS Points ($6.25), gamers who pre-order will also receive four GTA Gamerpics. In contrast, if you order through Gamestop in the US, you get...the satisfaction of knowing your copy is reserved.

Granted, the free stuff GAME is offering to pre-order customers isn't spectacular but it's the principle of the thing. I want free stuff even if I don't actually want the free stuff in question. I'm also a bit puzzled that a retailer would offer a special deal for a game like GTA4. I mean, c'mon, virtual hooker beating really sells itself.

Then again, giving out Microsoft points and Gamerpics won't really break their bank either. I assume GAME is essentially the British equivalent of Gamestop and this pre-order deal is designed to take business away from competitors. I wish Gamestop were so generous a monopoly.