According to a rumor posted in Game Informer, we may be in store for a new installment to the Grand Theft Auto series than we think.  The publication says that a new GTA title may be hitting shelves before the end of this year.  The new Grand Theft Auto game will be a spin-off of the main franchise, similar to how San Andreas and Vice City were spin-offs of Grand Theft Auto III.  Game Informer also speculates that the new entry into the franchise may be taking place in Japan, although they are quick to say that details are really scarce on the title at the moment.

This comes as quite a shock, as Take Two, publisher of the Grand Theft Auto series, recently spoke out, saying that a new Grand Theft Auto game wouldn't be out until at least 2010.  They even released their 2009 line up, which included blockbusters like Bioshock 2.  Grand Theft Auto was no where to be seen.

It is important to note, however, that development on a new GTA would be a lot quicker now that Rockstar has an engine fully developed.  Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was similar in that it hit shelves less than a year after Grand Theft Auto III did.  Regardless, we should be hearing about the title soon if this rumor is true.