In April 2010, the 1.0.6.0 patch for GTA IV, released in conjunction with the PC versions of The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony, significantly tones down the dependency for a launcher by uninstalling the original launcher and replacing it with a simpler version attached directly to the game.
Originally, the player is required to install a proprietary Social Club launcher alongside GTA IV the feature drew flak early after the PC version's release as the program adds to the cumbersomeness of the game, which is also attached to Games for Windows LIVE. Once registered, users can see their stats synced with the website and can enter contests only available to those who registered. The website has limited access to those who do not register their games. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition (includes all three Definitive Edition games).Currently, 14 games are supported on the website: It was launched in conjunction with the release of the console versions of Grand Theft Auto IV on April 29, 2008. The Rockstar Games Social Club (RGSC) is a social tie-in website to connect Rockstar Games' releases with the internet. The most recent iteration of the Rockstar Games Social Club still featuring the Social Club branding, October 2023.
