L.A. Noire being pushed back?

Another big title by Rockstar Games could be arriving at retail later than expected.  

Sterne Agee analyst Arvind Bhatia, in a note to investors today, said it appears Take-Two Interactive Software has pushed "L.A. Noire" back from the fourth quarter of this year to early next year. (Retail site GameStop, which has a so-so history of accuracy on predicting release dates, currently says the game will be available on Feb. 1, 2011.)

A spokesperson for Take-Two said the company does not comment on rumor and speculation. 

If true, it’s frustrating news for gamers, who have been looking forward to the 1940s crime title since Rockstar broke its cone of silence in a recent “Game Informer” story. It’s one of the company’s most ambitious titles, with a cast of over 300 actors and actresses that includes “Mad Men’s” Aaron Station and “Survivor” contestant Jessica Kiper.

It wouldn’t be the first delay for the game, which was originally slated to come out in 2008. (Development reportedly hasn’t been smooth.)

It's worth noting that postponements aren’t necessarily bad things for Rockstar. “Red Dead Redemption” was delayed multiple times – but when it was finally released, it was a critical smash and is, to date, the best selling game of 2010.