GTA VI Pre-Orders Hit $1.4 Billion

Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, has reported unprecedented pre-order sales for Grand Theft Auto VI, with CEO Strauss Zelnick stating that the level of pre-orders is astonishing and unprecedented. The company recorded $1.4 billion in net bookings for the quarter ending June 30, which includes the first five days after the game became available for pre-order on June 25.

The game is set to launch on November 19 for $79.99 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a standard edition and an Ultimate Edition priced at $99.99. Digital preloads for GTA VI will be available on November 12, and an extended look at the game will be available to stream via Netflix on August 27.

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said the company is cautiously optimistic about GTA VI's sales due to the possibility of pre-order cancellations. Despite this, the Grand Theft Auto brand has a strong track record, with over 470 million units sold, including 230 million units of GTA V since its introduction in 2013.

The company has kept its net bookings prediction for fiscal 2027 at $8 billion to $8.2 billion, below the $8.86 billion projected by experts polled by LSEG. The high level of pre-orders for GTA VI is likely to contribute significantly to the company's net bookings for the year.

## Why it matters The success of GTA VI is crucial for Take-Two Interactive, as it is one of the most anticipated games of the year. The game's performance will not only impact the company's financials but also the broader videogame industry. The game's launch on November 19 will be closely watched by gamers and industry analysts alike, and the company's ability to meet the high demand for the game will be a key factor in its success.

The restrictions on access to the game, including age-based restrictions in Australia, may impact the game's sales and accessibility. However, the high level of pre-orders suggests that the game is likely to be a commercial success, despite these challenges.