No Red Dead in Asda stores

A spokesperson for supermarket chain Asda has confirmed to MCV that a disagreement between itself and Rockstar owner Take Two is to blame for the decision not to stock Wild West epic Red Dead Redemption – released today – in any of its UK stores.

James Yelland of Asda’s games team confirmed that the retailer is looking to resolve a dispute” with Take Two, adding that the game is available to buy through Asda’s website but will not be stocked in stores this weekend.

If a resolution can be found it is hoped that the game could yet appear on Asda’s shelves. Take Two’s distributor Gem is not involved in the dispute.

Rockstar has said that it is not able to comment on the situation for the time being. MCV is awaiting a response from Take Two.

It’s the second piece of bad news for Rockstar’s latest release to emerge today after widespread reports of shortages, particularly of the PS3 version.

Whether any of this – or indeed the rival releases of Disney’s Split/Second or Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia today – can stop Red Dead Redemption from claiming the UK no.1 spot next Monday is yet to be seen.