GTA 6 launch drives optimism for Take-Two and Sony

Grand Theft Auto 6, developed by Take-Two, launches on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with a PC version and online mode expected later. The game is estimated to have cost between $1 billion and $1.5 billion to produce. Take-Two’s current fiscal year guidance projects 28% revenue growth, with the CEO stating pre-orders exceed expectations but refusing to raise forecasts. Analysts predict 35 to 60 million units sold in the first year, with Serkan Toto estimating 45 to 50 million. The game is priced at €80 for the base version and €100 for the deluxe version in Germany.

Sony is considered the primary hardware beneficiary, with 75% to 80% of pre-orders on PlayStation, leading to a raised earnings forecast. Other beneficiaries include gaming PC manufacturers and accessory makers like Logitech. Serkan Toto argues that Take-Two is undervalued due to conservative guidance and that GTA 6 will be a 'money printing machine' for the next two to five years. He notes that Take-Two is secured for the next years with what he describes as probably the biggest game of all time. Toto advises caution with gaming ETFs due to mixed performance but highlights specific stocks like Take-Two and Sony as top picks. Japanese publishers Capcom, Bandai Namco, and Konami have outperformed over five years due to low baselines and consistent blockbusters, while Korean gaming stocks like Pearl Abyss and NC Soft have declined due to competition from Chinese firms. Saudi Arabia’s MBS is investing in gaming assets like Electronic Arts and Unity, driven by personal interest and e-sports dominance.