Rockstar Games set for big payday

Source: Technology Digital

Date :28/04/2008 12:12:16

Gaming software manufacturer Rockstar Games, creator of the hugely controversial Grand Theft Auto series, is expected to earn over $1 billion in profits for the latest instalment.

Although the latest game in the series has been shrouded in controversy ever since its announcement early in 2007 – its ultra-violent and criminal themes and scenes considered unsuitable by the series’ detractors – GTA IV is expected to be the most successful yet.

Sales of the game across two of the market-leading games consoles – the Sony Playstation 3 and Microsoft’s XBox 360 – are expected to number between six and eight million during the first week, bringing the company in excess of $1 billion (£500 million) in profits.

This prediction comes in spite of the age restrictions placed on the game’s sale: In the UK, the BBFC has placed an 18 certificate on the game, while US classifiers have labelled the game as suitable only for a mature audience, with sales refused to anyone below the age of 17.

Despite vocal criticism of the game’s content, many analysts expect the release of GTA IV – scheduled for tomorrow – to firmly establish Rockstar Games as one of the leading franchises in the entertainment and software technology industry.

Booming industry

These predictions underline the growing influence of the gaming industry, which is expected to earn $14 billion (£7 billion) in games sales across the three major consoles in 2008. This has raised fears by many in the film industry who feel that the boom in personal gaming is set to substantially damage movie box office figures.

Indeed, it has been suggested that the release of GTA IV could seriously affect upcoming blockbusters, particularly those predominantly marketed to young men. “Video games are a major source of competition for the disposable income of young males,” said Ron Sanders, an executive at Warner Home Video. “We avoid releasing big titles on dates [for game releases] that appeal to young men.”

April 28, 2008