Business1 min read

How Rockstar's 'GTA IV' release could reshape gaming, streaming and even paid time off

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Rockstar Games plans to debut the title on Nov. 19 following two prior delays, with analysts forecasting long-term sales to reach 40 million units by March 2027. Content platforms like Twitch anticipate extended advertising and subscription boosts, especially given that the franchise's prior installment still ranks among the platform's five most-watched games this year. Meanwhile, outside economic sectors are preparing for consumer behavioral shifts, ranging from increased food delivery orders to declining traditional sports viewership. Furthermore, workplace data reveals that nearly one in five employees intends to take time off specifically for the launch.

Key points

  • Morgan Stanley expects cumulative sales of the title to hit 40 million units by March 202…: Morgan Stanley expects cumulative sales of the title to hit 40 million units by March 2027.
  • Take-Two Interactive has seen its share price more than double since early 2023 ahead of…: Take-Two Interactive has seen its share price more than double since early 2023 ahead of the release.
  • A PwC analysis indicates the launch could pull audiences away from traditional sports bro…: A PwC analysis indicates the launch could pull audiences away from traditional sports broadcasts while boosting music streaming and food delivery.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

It's been 13 years since the last installment of Grand Theft Auto, and fans are getting ready for what analysts say could be the biggest video game launch of all time.

The latest game in the franchise, "Grand Theft Auto VI," is set to launch on Nov. 19, after Take-Two Interactive's Rockstar Games delayed its launch twice. Roth analyst Eric Handler estimated the game maker spent more than $1 billion developing the game.

Sales figures could end up breaking records. Sensor Tower estimated over 12 million preorders through Nov. 13, and Morgan Stanley forecast the game could sell 40 million copies by March 2027.

Beyond launch week, the Grand Theft Auto, or GTA, franchise has a track record of lasting engagement over many years. Even 13 years after launch, "Grand Theft Auto V" is one of the top five most viewed games on Twitch this year.

In anticipation of the game's launch, investors have been taking note: Take-two's stock has more than doubled since the beginning of 2023.

The release is seen as not only a monumental moment for developer…

Business