Chirantan Patnaik, a 26-year-old resident of Napean Sea Road, has set a new world record for the longest time spent playing Grand Theft Auto IV. Guinness is yet to officially recognise the record, but as the marathon session was put up for live streaming on
the gamer’s blog and abiding by all the competition rules, it’s only a matter of time.
The previous record holder was American writer/producer Jim Patton, who played the game non-stop for 28 hours in April 2008.
Patnaik, who works in a private equity firm, set about on his task on Friday, September 4 at 10:00 AM and finally kept the controller away at 2:20 AM on Sunday, September 6.
What is a bit surprising, though, is that the new record is only 40 hours and 20 minutes – a number that most gamers think they could beat, including almost everyone in the Digit team. In fact, we are pretty sure there are quite a few of you out there who have gone longer already!
And it’s not like you have to sit in a chair where you can’t move at all. According to competition rules, you are allowed 10 minute breaks every hour to eat, drink, answer nature’s call, crack your knuckles and revitalise yourself.
Also, reading up on the Internet, it’s unclear whether this is the longest time anyone has spent playing a video game, or if it’s the longest time playing GTA IV specifically. If anyone can shed some light on this, please let us know in the comments section below.
Still, as it stands, Patnaik is the record holder and no one can deny him that. In the time he played to set a new record, he managed to finish 45 per cent of the game.
Patnaik, who is also a qualified scuba diver and a big fan of adventure sports, said his wife was his biggest supporter: “After reading about my attempt on gaming forums, few people commented that I should get a life. The only thing I have to say to them is, I do have a life.”