GTA 6 is expected to incorporate crypto rewards in its upgraded version. Gamers are looking forward to watching the trailer.
The unveiling of the Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) trailer is set to debut on December 5, with Wall Street analysts forecasting a significant boost in revenue for Take-Two Interactive Software Inc (NASDAQ: TTWO), Rockstar Games’ parent business.
Analyst Predictions and Market Enthusiasm
As highlighted in a recent report, Benchmark analyst Mike Hickey, who maintains a buy rating and a $164 price target on Take-Two’s stock, sees GTA 6 as a “major catalyst” that could generate “substantial enthusiasm” for the company. Hickey believes the release of GTA 6 could greatly impact Take-Two’s growth in fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
While specific sales estimates for the game are scarce, speculation abounds that GTA 6 could surpass $1 billion in revenue within its first week, potentially selling up to 14 million copies at launch. To put this into perspective, the highest-grossing movie of all time, Avengers: Endgame, had a worldwide opening of $1.2 billion.
Hickey also highlights the potential of Grand Theft Auto Online Next, the online service accompanying the game, to contribute up to $1 billion in annual live service revenue. This continuation of the successful online service model is expected to further engage players for years to come.
Furthermore, Hickey suggests that Take-Two could become an attractive takeover target, especially after Microsoft Corp’s (NASDAQ: MSFT) $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the maker of Call of Duty. This acquisition has sparked speculation that other companies may be inclined to explore similar deals within the gaming industry.
Hickey also mentions the possibility for Grand Theft Auto Online Next, the game’s online service, to generate up to $1 billion in yearly live service revenue. This continuation of the successful online service concept is intended to keep players interested for many years to come.
Benchmark’s Hickey is not the only analyst bullish on GTA 6. In October, Raymond James predicted “big numbers” for the upcoming game, while Deutsche Bank and investment firm Baird anticipated financial success for Take-Two with the game’s release.
The GTA 6 hype train has also attracted interest from companies outside the gaming realm. Netflix Inc (NASDAQ: NFLX) recently announced that it would offer Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy-The Definitive Edition to its subscribers at no extra charge
GTA 6 and Crypto Integration
Notably, reports are suggesting that GTA 6 will incorporate crypto rewards in its upgraded version. Leaks indicate that players may have the opportunity to earn and trade in-game cryptocurrency, potentially including Bitcoin (BTC), as part of their gameplay experience. Should this speculation become true, it can significantly attract a new hoard of customers.
It is, however, crucial to note that Rockstar Games has not officially confirmed the addition of crypto assets to the game. While the gaming industry is witnessing a trend toward the “play-to-earn” system, fans should approach these rumors with a healthy dose of skepticism until official confirmation is received.
