GTA VI is aiming for perfection according to its publisher Take-Two Interactive. The game also has more anticipation than its predecessor GTA V. All of that and more comes from Take-Two’s quarterly call with investors. We’ll be going over everything that was said about Grand Theft Auto VI.
They’re seeking perfection with GTA VI
Take-Two’s CEO Strauss Zelnick was asked by analyst Timothy O’Shea how do they decide when to release a game such as Grand Theft Auto VI and what “might influence Rockstar’s decision about the timing of when to launch this game.”
Mr Zelnick responded by simply stating “We’re seeking perfection.” He does add to this with “And when we feel we’ve optimized creatively, that’s the time to release.
Take-Two’s end goal “is to align the interest of everyone who works there with the interest of the shareholders. That keeps us all pointing in the same direction.” Many games have released unfinished but Strauss says despite that “tension potentially between getting something to market and creating perfection (…) this company errs on the side of perfection.”
GTA Online updates to coincide with GTA VI trailers?
Analyst Martin Yang wondered about the GTA VI trailer success and how it helped GTA Online. Plus, would its impact change planning for future GTA and Red Dead marketing events. Take-Two’s CEO said “I do think that excitement around GTA VI has had a halo effect on the entire franchise”.
He added that “I do think all things GTA lead to more excitement. As far as the marketing programs, I think Rockstar is particularly expert in marketing their titles and, I think, is considering all the appropriate angles.”
GTA VI anticipation higher than GTA V
Analyst Timothy O’Shea put forward another question about the GTA VI trailer to Take-Two’s executives. He asked “Is there a way to quantify or maybe compare what you saw in terms of all this anticipation for GTA VI compared with how the level of anticipation that you saw for GTA V ahead of that games announcement?”
CEO Strauss Zelnick responded by saying it is possible to do research into anticipation and compare it. From what Take-Two have seen, the anticipation for GTA VI “is much higher, much, much higher” than that of GTA V.
For those who missed GTA V pre-launch, the excitment was unlike any other game. From the first trailer to the day of release, it was on another level. Some did not think any game following it could match or beat these heights of anticipation.
Take-Two did stop making predictions on how many copies GTA 6 will sell though. This is due to GTA V now reaching over 195 million units sold.
It’s a tall order for GTA VI to sell nearly 200 million discs and downloads in 10 years given only Minecraft has done the same so far. Despite no predictions on copies sold, Strauss reiterated “clearly, anticipation is running very, very high.”
Could GTA expand into other mediums or get brands in?
Analyst Omar Dessouky raised a question to Take-Two this week about bringing licensed IP into their games. Dessouky asked if the publisher can see any potential in GTA becoming a trans-media property. He also asked if this could involve “brands and IP from franchises outside of Take-Two”
Strauss Zelnick did not want to comment on it much at all. He replied with “We really do prefer that our labels talk about what’s going to go on in the title creatively… I prefer to hear from Rockstar.” So, no commitment publicly there.
Real-life brands are current banned from being used within FiveM servers. This is due to copyright issues as Rockstar Games don’t own the rights nor do server owners. Here’s some more information about how it is handled by Rockstar Games.
You can read the full transcript of the investor call here. Take-Two also discussed the success of GTA V and GTA Online during the same conference call which you can read about here.
GTA V cast signing
Fans of GTA V, we’ve caught wind of an autograph signing livestream event with some of the cast members. The incredible talent behind Michael De Santa, Franklin Clinton, and Lamar Davis are participating.
If you’d like to get a print signed by these actors on a livestream along with a video message and more, check out the event here. It will take place virtually on April 11th. Note: All orders will help support this website as we’ll receive commission.
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