How well has Grand Theft Auto V performed on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One since it launched last year? Nearly one in three next-gen console owners purchased the open-world action-adventure game, according to Take-Two Interactive’s financial results released Tuesday for the quarter ending December 31, 2014.
According to Take-Two’s third quarter 2014 earnings release, Grand Theft Auto V has sold almost 10 million copies on the PS4 and Xbox One since it was released on November 18. A recent Sony statement that the PlayStation 4 has sold 18.5 million consoles combined with estimates that Microsoft has sold around 10 million Xbox One consoles by the end of 2014 suggest that there is just under 30 million next-gen consoles worldwide. That means a good third of all next-gen console owners have bought the game so far.
Additionally, the 10 million copies of GTA V sold to PS4 and Xbox One owners brings the total number of copies sold to over 45 million. All that and Rockstar Games and Take-Two still have the PC release of the game coming up in March.
For comparison, GTA V originally sold more than 32.5 million copies by the end of 2013, when it launched for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in September of that year, according to fiscal reports . However, that version of the game had approximately two more months of being available for sale in addition to a console install base of around 160 million worldwide.
The strong sales of GTA V helped Take-Two Interactive take in $953.97 million dollars in revenue for its fiscal third quarter 2015. That beat estimates by $156.31 million and gave the publisher huge momentum as it looks to wrap up its fiscal year that ends March 31.
“Take-Two’s positive momentum was demonstrated once again, as we delivered exceedingly strong third quarter revenues and profits, and finished the quarter with nearly $1 billion in cash and short term investments,” said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO of Take-Two.
“We successfully launched one of the most diverse holiday lineups in the Company’s history, led by Grand Theft Auto V for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, NBA 2K15 , WWE 2K15 , Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, and Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth . We also generated substantial growth in digitally-delivered revenue, including through our ongoing focus on offerings that drive recurrent consumer spending. As a result of Take-Two’s outstanding holiday season performance, we are raising the Company’s financial outlook for the full year.”
“Looking ahead, we expect that our fourth quarter will provide a strong finish to fiscal 2015, which is lining up to be one of Take-Two’s best years ever. Anchored by the eagerly-anticipated launches of Evolve and Grand Theft Auto V for PC, along with an array of other offerings, we will continue to deliver titles that captivate audiences around the world and set benchmarks for excellence. With our world-class creative teams, robust development pipeline, cutting-edge technology and ample capital resources, Take-Two is superbly positioned to build on its solid foundation and continue to capitalize on this dynamic entertainment market.”
[Images via Rockstar Games ]