The Tech Behind GTA IV

[Flinty]

1UP has posted a interview with Adam Fowler and Sandy Roger, Rockstar North's Technical Directors.

Are there any advantages to the fact that Rockstar have developed and own the engine?
AF: The main advantage is we have control over the direction the engine takes. If we need something for our game we have a direct connection with the guys who would be developing it. We get early access to systems which might not be completely finished but are ready for development use. Bugs get fixed in days, not weeks or months. This has been especially important as we reached the end of the project. We talk to the RAGE guys every day. We know what is happening with RAGE on a day to day basis.
Sandy Roger: Definitely, working with guys in house gave us much more input into the development of the RAGE engine, and gave us direct access to the guys who made it which has helped enormously.

Check out the interview along with some new screenshots.