Take-Two Interactive
Take-Two Interactive business and news from across the web.
PlayStation Announcing the End of Physical Game Releases Resulted in Rise in Stock PricesSony Interactive Entertainment announced it will cease physical game releases for PlayStation consoles starting January 2028, a move that has coincided with a rise in its stock price. This transition aligns with market trends favoring digital purchases and the popularity of disc-less consoles like the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition. Analysts suggest this decision will also influence future console designs, potentially reducing manufacturing costs for the PlayStation 6.
Xbox is reportedly testing a feature to digitize physical game collections as PlayStation decides to phase out discsXbox is reportedly testing a "Disc to Digital" feature that would allow users to convert their physical game collection into digital entitlements. This comes as PlayStation plans to phase out disc-based games by 2028, and other publishers like Take-Two are opting for digital-only releases, signaling a significant shift in the industry away from physical media.
Ubisoft appoints former 2K and Amazon exec Christoph Hartmann to lead Creative House 2, overseeing Splinter Cell, The Division and Ghost ReconUbisoft has appointed industry veteran Christoph Hartmann as General Manager of its newly formed Creative House 2. This business unit will oversee major franchises including Splinter Cell, The Division, and Ghost Recon, as well as the recently acquired MOBA game March of Giants. Hartmann previously founded 2K Games and led Amazon's games division.- Why Sony Is Killing Disc-Based PlayStation Games And The Implications For PS6 And BeyondSony will cease releasing PlayStation games on physical discs starting in 2028, a move industry expert Piers Harding-Rolls suggests will likely delay the PlayStation 6's launch until at least that year and will result in a disc-less base model. This transition to all-digital is driven by shifting consumer preferences towards digital downloads, which now account for 80% of PlayStation game sales, and aims to streamline retail and improve profit margins by reducing costs associated with disc manufacturing and physical distribution.
Sony announces an end to the PS3 and Vita digital storesSony announced it will be closing the digital stores for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita globally in July 2027, with some regions seeing closures later this year. While previously reversed due to fan backlash in 2021, the company cites the need to evolve commerce systems and focus resources on modern platforms. Games already purchased will remain downloadable.
GTA 6 devs have to opt-out of crunch, claim Rockstar North insiders, because it's baked into their contractsSources within Rockstar North claim that crunch is effectively built into employee contracts for Grand Theft Auto 6, with developers needing to opt-out of working hour regulations. Insiders also allege issues with pay gaps, bonuses used for compliance, and a lack of transparency in career progression. Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two Interactive, stated they strive to provide world-class work environments and are open to dialogue with the union.
PlayStation ending production of physical software in January 2028Sony Interactive Entertainment will cease production of physical game discs for all new PlayStation titles starting January 2028, reflecting a shift towards digital distribution. This decision aligns with changing consumer preferences and industry trends, impacting games released before the cutoff date. The company remains committed to providing diverse purchasing options for players.
GTA 6 developer Rockstar accused of enforcing crunch, weaponising bonus payments, and ignoring a widening gender pay gapRockstar Games is facing new allegations from employees regarding crunch culture, a widening gender pay gap, and the weaponization of bonus payments, particularly concerning the development of Grand Theft Auto 6. These claims emerge as employees pursue union recognition, with Take-Two Interactive stating they will engage in dialogue with the union.
Rockstar accused of ignoring pay inequity, mandating crunch, and weaponizing bonusesMultiple Rockstar Games developers, speaking anonymously through the Rockstar Game Workers Union, have accused the company of failing to address gender-based pay inequity, mandating crunch, and using bonuses to manipulate employees. The developers claim that compensation is inconsistent and often falls below market rates, with initiatives to address pay gaps being scrapped. The union is seeking voluntary recognition and has highlighted that crunch is normalized through UK worker contracts, with employees opting out of regulations.- MMO Week in Review: Guild Wars goes mobile, Bungie gets layoffsThis week's MMO news includes Guild Wars launching on mobile, Star Trek Online's new update, and Throne & Liberty's summer expansion. However, the industry also saw significant layoffs at Sony and Bungie, impacting hundreds of developers working on Destiny 2 and Marathon. Other news includes Valve's Steam Machine pricing, the ongoing Ashes of Creation lawsuit, and updates on Grand Theft Auto VI's online multiplayer.
GTA VI finally has a release date, but fans are worriedGrand Theft Auto VI is slated for release on November 19th, but concerns are rising among fans regarding its $129.95 AUD price tag and the lack of a physical disc version at launch. While Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has addressed rumors about delayed physical releases, sources within Rockstar suggest no discs are planned, fueling player distrust about industry trends and rising game costs.
Detaljer om GTA VI verkar läcka från butikssidorDetails for Grand Theft Auto VI appear to have leaked from Brazilian online store listings for Amazon and Kabum. The descriptions, which have since been edited or removed, suggested advanced AI would control NPCs with their own routines and that social media would play a significant role, with in-game mobile phones showing viral videos in real-time. The leaks also hinted at the ability to switch between characters and unique character abilities.
Rockstar union rep claims GTA 6 bosses can "easily afford" demands after reportedly generating $3 billion in pre-orders as devs call for "fairer crunch" and "pay transparency"Rockstar Games developers in the UK are seeking official union recognition, with the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain citing the reported $3 billion in Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-order sales as evidence the company can afford their demands. Key objectives include pay transparency, fairer crunch practices, and better flexible working arrangements. The union is also involved in an ongoing legal dispute with Rockstar over the firing of 31 workers involved in union activity.
Is GTA VI Coming to Nintendo Switch 2?Following the release of the Grand Theft Auto VI trailer, speculation has emerged about a potential Nintendo Switch 2 version. Insider Nash Weedle has suggested that technical hurdles for a Switch 2 port have been overcome, with specialized studios optimizing the game, though it is not expected for the initial 2026 launch. Take-Two Interactive has not ruled out supporting Nintendo's next console, making a port a potentially significant business opportunity.
GTA 6 makers have 10 working days to voluntarily recognise Rockstar IWGB Game Workers Union or it may go to a government tribunalThe newly formed Rockstar IWGB Game Workers Union is demanding official recognition from Rockstar Games, with a ten-day deadline to voluntarily comply. If Rockstar refuses, the union can pursue statutory recognition through a government tribunal. This effort follows previous unionization attempts and disputes over employee firings.
GTA 6 and Nintendo rumoured to be making a Switch 2 port happenRumors suggest Nintendo and Rockstar Games are collaborating on a port of Grand Theft Auto 6 for the Nintendo Switch 2, though conflicting reports exist regarding its feasibility and release. While some insiders claim technical hurdles have been overcome, others have heard no confirmation of such a port. Despite potential challenges, both companies are reportedly exploring the possibility due to the game's immense anticipation and potential sales on the platform.
GTA 6 made $1,000,000,000 after 60 minutes of pre-orders claim analystsAnalysts estimate that Grand Theft Auto 6 generated $1 billion in revenue within its first hour of pre-orders going live, potentially recouping a significant portion of its development budget. This surge in pre-order sales also led to a nearly 3% rise in Take-Two Interactive shares. The game is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Why I’m glad GTA 6 is killing physical media for gaming - Reader's FeatureThis reader's feature argues that the end of physical media for games, exemplified by Grand Theft Auto 6's digital-only release, is a positive development. The author highlights environmental benefits, potential cost savings through digital distribution, and improved accessibility for smaller developers, while also addressing common concerns about digital ownership and game sharing.
GTA 6 has no plans for a post-launch physical release, "not at launch, and not months later", insists new reportA new report from The Hollywood Reporter, citing a source with knowledge of release plans, indicates that Grand Theft Auto 6 will not have a physical disc release at launch or in the months following. This contradicts earlier insider claims and has led to misinterpretations of Rockstar Support's responses. The game is scheduled to release on November 19th for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X.
Something for the Weekend – 27/06/26This week's gaming news was dominated by Grand Theft Auto 6, with pre-orders going live and details about the Ultimate Edition and digital-only physical copies revealed. Other news includes Bungie layoffs, SteamOS availability on PCs, and price increases for Xbox Series consoles. Several games received reviews, including Zero Parades: For Dead Spies and Gothic 1 Remake, while previews were offered for Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy.