While it may seem like eons ago now, that Grand Theft Auto 4 (GTA IV) was on the minds and in the hearts of every entertainment writer, blogger, Guiness World Record Book updater and most importantly gamer, the title is still on the books of Take-Two. PS3 and Xbox 360 owners the world over platooned into stores to own what would become the biggest video game launch in history.
With first day sales of $310Million, Take-Two Interactive (TTWO) shattered previous records for a video game launch. Almost 6Million copies sold virtually immediately and by the end of May the tally stood at 8.5Million units. The game's big star, the brash and vengeful European Nico Bellic has become a household name among that critical 18-29 demographic and Take-Two stands at the base of the mountain of its own Liberty City.
The success of the game pushed earnings beyond expectations (adjusted $1.52/share & real $1.29/share vs. $1.12/share expected) and sent Revenue skyrocketing on a year over year basis. Revenue jumped to $540Million from $205Million a year ago. The top line number handily beat analyst estimate averages of $499Million.
And all this while battling a takeover offer from Electronic Arts (ERTS). The EA offer stands at $25.74 a share, currently, with Take-Two stock closing Thursday's trading at $27.65. Clearly there's a gap there and TTWO shareholders are waiting for one of two things. EA to raise its offer by $2 or $3 a share, or to pull the offer of the table completely. When EA initially launched its bid it was valued at approximately $2Billion, and with Take-Two's market stance at a now lofty $2.13Billion, something has to give.
FuRuy has opened a Twitter account called “Project Alice” teasing a new game announcement on April 25 at 20:30 JST.
New report from Skillsearch found that 22% of those surveyed had been laid off within the past 12 months.
It's a step forward for Stop Killing Games.
