Take-Two has announced that Grand Theft Auto IV has sold ten million copies as of August 16th, leading the company to beat its own financial guidance for the third quarter in a row.

For the financial period ending July 31st, 2008, Take-Two reported $433.8 million (£245.24m) in revenue, compared to $206.4 million (£116.68m) in the same period in 2007. This also exceeded the company’s own guidance of $375 million (£212m) for the quarter.

In addition to better than expected continued performance of GTA IV, revenues were driven by sales of Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution, Top Spin 3 and Carnival Games.

Income for the quarter came to $51.8 million (£29.3m), compared to a Q3 2007 loss of $58.5 million (£33.1m).

As a result of this stronger than expected performance, Take-Two has increased its guidance for fiscal 2008, from Joe Keiser.5 billion (850m) to an upper bound of Joe Keiser.55 billion (£880m). The company also reduced its Q4 guidance, citing the same strong Q3 performance as one reason in addition to the delay of Midnight Club: Los Angeles. Formerly $350 million (£197.86m), Q4 guidance now maxes out at $335 million (£189.38m).

Take-Two Chairman Strauss Zelnick said of the performance, “Thanks in particular to the creativity of our global development teams and their passion for producing great entertainment, we are benefiting from a portfolio that is the strongest in our Company"s history, as well as one of the most valuable in our industry."

CEO Ben Feder added, “"I"m extremely pleased with our strong position heading into the holiday season.”