It’s been a decade since the release of GTA V, a game that propelled Rockstar Games and parent company Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ:TTWO) into unparalleled success. The title achieved a remarkable $ 1 billion in sales within three days, although the subsequent online component, GTA Online, faced technical challenges, tempering the initial enthusiasm. Despite these hurdles, GTA V became TTWO’s most profitable intellectual property, contributing nearly $8 billion in revenue over the past ten years and fueling the company’s impressive growth. Notably, the stock, which was trading at $18 upon GTA V’s release, has surged to $150 in 2023.
Anticipation has steadily risen for GTA VI, with fans and investors eagerly awaiting updates. Speculations and release date predictions were frequent, but the most concrete information emerged from Rockstar Games President Sam Houser on November 8, 2023. He announced the release of the first GTA VI trailer in early December, coinciding with the company’s latest quarterly earnings report, which showed modest growth. This announcement prompted a 9% surge in shares during pre-hours trading, closing at $143.47 and eventually reaching a new 52-week high above $160.
As promised, the eagerly anticipated first trailer for GTA VI was unveiled on December 5, 2023. Garnering over 126 million views on YouTube by December 8, the trailer showcased Take-Two’s commitment to enhancing player experience through AI integration and official roleplaying servers. Early indicators suggest the game will adopt a live-service model from the start, potentially boosting its overall profitability.
The narrative of heightened anticipation leading to potential disappointment is not unfamiliar in the gaming industry. A prime example is CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077, a highly anticipated release that faced setbacks upon its December 2020 launch, resulting in technical issues and a subsequent stock plunge for the company. While Cyberpunk 2077 received positive reviews, it struggled to meet unrealistic expectations, causing reputational damage and financial setbacks for CD Projekt Red.
Parallels can be drawn between Cyberpunk 2077 and Take-Two’s current situation with GTA VI. The long-awaited game, which began development in 2014, has soared expectations, raising concerns about potential backlash from the gaming community and investors if promises are unmet. Bank of America has downgraded Take-Two from a Buy to a Hold, citing concerns about potential delays, with fears that GTA VI may launch in August 2025 or later instead of the anticipated March 2025 release. This, coupled with uncertainties about a PC release date, led to a nearly 2% drop in TTWO’s stock during after-trading.
Historically, Take-Two’s commitment to quality has been its strongest asset. While Red Dead Redemption 2 faced delays, the game’s subsequent success, with over 57 million copies sold and consistent acclaim, highlights Take-Two’s dedication to delivering polished, high-quality products. In an industry trending towards rushed releases, Take-Two stands out for its willingness to invest time in refining its offerings for long-term success.
Despite concerns and downgrades, a majority of analysts maintain optimistic views on Take-Two Interactive, with the last closing price at $155.32 potentially presenting an attractive entry point for investors hopeful about the company’s prospects.
Featured Image: Freepik
Author Faith Yakubu 
