Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games (GTA 6 developers), has outlined its future strategy, emphasizing the creation of new intellectual properties (IPs) over continued reliance on established franchises.
Take-Two's Strategic Shift Towards New IPs
Diversifying Beyond Legacy Franchises
CEO Strauss Zelnick, in a Q2 2025 investor call, acknowledged the company's success with legacy IPs like Grand Theft Auto (GTA) and Red Dead Redemption (RDR). However, he stressed the inherent risk of over-reliance on these established titles. Zelnick pointed out that even highly successful franchises experience a decline in appeal over time, a phenomenon he described as "decay and entropy." He warned against the danger of "burning the furniture to heat the house" – neglecting innovation in favor of established successes.
Zelnick confirmed that while sequels are lower-risk ventures, the company's long-term success hinges on developing new IPs. He underscored the importance of continuous innovation to avoid stagnation and maintain relevance in the gaming market.
Strategic Release Timing for Upcoming Titles
Regarding the release of existing IPs, Zelnick emphasized a strategy of spacing out major releases to avoid market saturation. While GTA 6's release is slated for Fall 2025, it will be distinctly separated from the planned release of Borderlands 4, expected sometime between Spring 2025 and Spring 2026.
Judas: A New IP for 2025
Take-Two's subsidiary, Ghost Story Games, is preparing to launch "Judas," a story-driven, first-person shooter RPG, as a new IP in 2025. The game is designed to provide a unique player experience, allowing significant influence on relationships and narrative progression.