Take-Two’s financial performance in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 is noteworthy, setting a robust trajectory for the company. With $1.47 billion in net bookings this quarter, Take-Two is on track to meet its annual revenue target of $5.55 to $5.65 billion. Yet, while the financials are impressive, the real buzz surrounds the upcoming release of “Grand Theft Auto 6,” slated for fall 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X. This much-anticipated launch promises to energize the gaming community further, although PC gamers might have to wait until 2026 to join the fray.
CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged the continued dominance of the “Grand Theft Auto” and “Borderlands” franchises during an investor call, emphasizing Take-Two’s esteemed library of intellectual properties. The future looks particularly promising with exciting releases planned for Fiscal 2026, including “Borderlands 4,” “Mafia: The Old Country,” and notably, “Grand Theft Auto 6.” Zelnick expressed optimism about Take-Two’s long-term value creation for shareholders.
Amid the discussion of new titles, Zelnick teased about the importance of PC platforms in Take-Two’s strategy, calling it “the open platform.” He hinted at increasing PC compatibility for future releases, a nod to the evolving gaming ecosystem where diverse platforms play critical roles.
Attention quickly shifted back to “Grand Theft Auto 6,” with shareholders eager for any morsel of information about the eagerly awaited title. Zelnick artfully managed expectations, reminding everyone of “Grand Theft Auto 5’s” unparalleled success, which surpassed expectations by selling over 205 million units globally. “Grand Theft Auto Online” has maintained robust performance with continued player engagement and a 35% growth in GTA+ membership over the previous year. That said, the market continues to eagerly anticipate any news or updates on its successor.
There was also a nod to the enduring popularity of “Red Dead Redemption 2,” which has sold over 67 million units, demonstrating Take-Two’s ability to prolong the allure of its flagship games.
However, not everything in Take-Two’s world glittered during this period. The “Borderlands” movie, predicted to complement the game franchise, turned out to be a disappointment. Universally panned by audiences and critics alike, the film’s financial impact was brushed off by Zelnick as negligible, though he did concede that it helped catalogue sales. He noted the learnings from this endeavor, suggesting that while cross-media adaptations can be valuable, they are approached cautiously, with a focus on selectivity to safeguard brand integrity.
Looking ahead, the game industry awaits the imminent arrival of “Grand Theft Auto 6,” an event speculated to redefine gaming standards once again. While Take-Two’s financial sheet reveals a picture of stability and growth, it’s the tantalizing prospects of their upcoming game releases that truly energize the market, with all eyes on how the house that Strauss built navigates the dynamic landscape of the gaming industry.
Closing Credits
As the anticipation for “Grand Theft Auto 6” crescendos, Take-Two’s strategic focus remains firmly grounded in leveraging its top franchises while expanding within new markets. With projected launches on major platforms in the coming fiscal year, the company’s narrative continues to be one of growth and innovation. For the gaming community, the next big thing is always on the horizon—complete with its own set of expectations and surprises. The console gaming scene looks to be the first to welcome “GTA 6” in fall 2025, while PC gamers might anticipate a slightly longer wait, potentially stepping into the new criminal underworld in 2026.
