Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (TTWO) said its "Grand Theft
Auto V" videogame booked worldwide retail sales of more than $1
billion in the first three days on the shelf, a mark it claimed to
hit faster than any other entertainment property--including video
games and feature films.
Take-Two previously said "GTA V," the latest release of the
popular "GTA" franchise, brought in $800 million in sales in its
first day of release.
The sales easily break the previous record set when Activision
Blizzard Inc.'s (ATVI) "Call of Duty: Black Ops II" hit $1 billion
in worldwide sales in 15 days in December. In comparison, the
blockbuster 2009 movie "Avatar," the highest-grossing film ever,
reached $1 billion in 17 days.
"Grand Theft Auto is a cultural phenomenon and Rockstar Games
continues to redefine what can be achieved in interactive
entertainment," said Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick. "We are
incredibly proud of the extraordinary critical and commercial
response to Grand Theft Auto V."
"GTA V" represents years of work recreating a parallel world to
Hollywood and Los Angeles, where gamers can fly airplanes, ride on
boats and rob banks as they progress through the story of three
criminals. "We think it will be the biggest title we've ever
released," Mr. Zelnick said in July.
The series has drawn critical praise for its authentic game
worlds, rich voice acting, and wide open style of play. "GTA V" is
current available for Sony Corp.'s (SNE) Play Station 3 and
Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT) Xbox 360.
Take-Two shares were up one cent at $17.44. The stock is up 58%
so far this year.
Write to Ben Fox Rubin at ben.rubin@wsj.com
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