Given the immense and ongoing success of Grand Theft Auto V–it’s sold 140 million copies–some are wondering if Rockstar Games will turn its attention back in time with a remaster or re-release of the studio’s earlier GTA games. It remains to be seen if that will happen, but the head of Rockstar’s parent company is counted among those who like that question and the possibilities it brings up.
During an earnings call on Monday, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick was asked if the company sees an opportunity to remaster prior GTA games to cash in on the huge appeal of the franchise. The question specifically pointed out that the GTA V audience might not have played earlier games in the series, so remastering older entries could be a way to appeal to them and sell more units.
In his trademark fashion, Zelnick said official announcements about future Rockstar products will come from the developer itself. But he did say he likes the question and he find it “encouraging,” which is an intriguing response.
“It’s a great and encouraging question. I’m kind of inclined to leave it more as a statement than a question,” Zelnick said. “And any updates on our release schedule will come from Rockstar Games.”
GTA V has now sold 140 million copies, and it just keeps growing. 2020 was the game’s best year for sales since 2013, the year it originally launched on PS3 and Xbox 360. The game, and it’s GTA Online mode, are poised for another breakout year in 2021 with the launch of GTA Online’s standalone edition as well as bespoke editions of GTA V for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X that take advantage of the power of those consoles.
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