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Take-Two Projects Weak Q4 Bookings, Confirms Fall Launch for “GTA VI”

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Take-Two Interactive Software (TTWO.O) projected lower-than-expected fourth-quarter bookings on Thursday, attributing the decline to reduced in-game spending on mobile titles amid ongoing economic uncertainties and high inflation. The company expects bookings to fall between $1.48 billion and $1.58 billion, slightly under analysts’ average estimate of $1.54 billion, according to LSEG data.

The broader videogame industry has faced headwinds over the past two years, including layoffs, studio closures, and canceled projects, fueled by weak sales and higher borrowing costs. Take-Two’s mobile games like “Empires & Puzzles” performed below company expectations, reflecting a trend of consumers cutting back on mobile game spending.

Despite the short-term challenges, Take-Two’s stock rose over 6% in extended trading after the company confirmed that the highly anticipated “Grand Theft Auto VI” remains on track for a fall 2025 launch. The long-running action-adventure franchise is known for its immersive sandbox gameplay and dynamic characters, with each new installment being a major event in the gaming industry.

Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter noted that confirmation of the launch date eased investor concerns about potential delays. Take-Two also reaffirmed expectations for higher net bookings in fiscal 2026 and 2027, driven by “GTA VI” and other major releases.

Beyond “GTA VI,” Take-Two is set to release several high-profile titles this year, including “Borderlands 4” and “Mafia: The Old Country.”

While the company’s third-quarter bookings of $1.37 billion fell short of the $1.39 billion consensus, Take-Two posted adjusted earnings of 72 cents per share, beating analysts’ expectations of 57 cents. The company also noted that Zynga, which it acquired in 2022, has nearly completed its integration into the Take-Two ecosystem and should contribute more significantly to profitability moving forward.

Star Wars: Hunters Heads to PC Early Access in January Following Steam Playtests

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Star Wars: Hunters, the squad-based PvP shooter developed by Zynga, is expanding its reach to PC players. After its initial release on Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android in June, the game will now be available on Steam in early access starting January 27, 2025. This marks a significant step in the game’s evolution, bringing it to a broader audience and catering to the demand from the PC gaming community. Before its early access debut, two rounds of Steam playtests have been scheduled to fine-tune the gameplay experience.

Zynga officially announced the PC launch on Tuesday, inviting players to sign up for Steam playtests. The first playtest will run from December 13 to December 16, offering participants a chance to explore the game’s features and provide feedback. A second playtest is scheduled from January 10 to January 13, ensuring further refinements before the game’s wider release. These playtests will allow Zynga to address potential issues and gather insights to optimize the PC gaming experience.

The official announcement expressed excitement about bringing the Star Wars: Hunters experience to PC, acknowledging the strong demand from fans. “We are officially bringing Star Wars: Hunters to PC! We can’t wait for you all to experience the game on PC and know this is something that the community has been asking for a long time,” the statement read. The move to PC is expected to enhance the game’s competitive arena dynamics, leveraging the platform’s capabilities for improved graphics and control precision.

With its team-based combat set in the Star Wars universe, Star Wars: Hunters has already captured the interest of fans across various platforms. Expanding to PC is likely to solidify its player base and introduce the game to a new audience eager to engage in epic battles with iconic characters and settings. The early access launch on January 27 is set to be a pivotal moment for the game, as it enters one of the most competitive gaming markets.