Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick Discusses the Company's Ambitious Release Schedule and GTA 6 Launch Preparations

Take-Two Interactive has reported a strong performance in its first quarter, resulting in an increased outlook for Q2 to between $6.05 billion and $6.15 billion. As the company prepares for its most extensive release schedule to date, CEO Strauss Zelnick shared his insights on the latest financial results and the upcoming launch of Grand Theft Auto 6. The interview has been condensed for clarity and brevity. When asked about the primary reason behind Take-Two's performance exceeding guidance, Zelnick attributed it to the collective success of all labels, with notable achievements from 2K Games, Rockstar, and Zynga. NBA 2K25 has surpassed expectations, with a 48% year-over-year increase in consumer spending and over 11.5 million units sold. The Grand Theft Auto series has also continued to excel, with Grand Theft Auto 5 selling over 215 million units to date and a significant growth in GTA Online engagement. On the mobile side, Zynga has seen substantial growth, with Toon Blast increasing by 22% year-over-year and Match Factory growing by 33% in just 18 months. Zelnick expressed enthusiasm for Mafia: The Old Country, describing it as a premium title with the right pricing and impressive visuals. When discussing sports games, Zelnick emphasized the importance of key sports like soccer, American football, and basketball, while also acknowledging the company's focus on smaller titles with potential upside. Take-Two does not directly compete with Electronic Arts' FC, instead opting for a mobile soccer manager title called Top Eleven, which has seen significant success. Zelnick remained open to exploring new opportunities but prioritized the company's current projects. Regarding GTA 6, Zelnick expressed high anticipation, considering it potentially the most highly anticipated property in entertainment history. However, he emphasized the need for the company to deliver a great product, as consumer feedback will ultimately determine its success. Take-Two has an extensive release schedule planned for the next 12 months, including Mafia: The Old Country, NBA 2K26, Borderlands 4, WWE 2K mobile, and GTA 6, among others. The company is confident in its lineup, which Zelnick believes is the most robust he has ever discussed at this stage.