Once again, the time for the quarterly earnings reports and calls to investors has come for Take-Two Interactive Software, parent company of Rockstar Games and also developer of the GTA franchise. Since usually these reports and calls are not intended for fans and consumers to see, they usually contain some info which otherwise doesn't get out.
Given that the sales data reported has more of a financial purpose (obviously) rather than marketing and hype, it needs to be precise, even if it means including hints at news that is supposed to be kept under wraps. We previously reported on a similar call to investors detailing some "new and exciting" projects that Rockstar is working on, however those never saw the light of day at E3 like they were apparently supposed to.
The most recent call contained the usual reports of revenue and a breakdown of best sources and highest contributors. In spite of being three years old, GTA 5 continues to be one of the best sources of income for Take-Two. In fact, in the listings, it is mentioned separately from and before GTA Online. Total revenues went up from the past quarter, from $275.3 million to $311.6 million.
Revenue gained from digital sales is counted separately from that gained from the sale of physical media and merchandise, and the numbers show that while digital distribution is on the rise, brick and mortar is still the most common approach used by customers to get their product — and that somehow the actual game is still selling more than the microtransactions.
While it is understandable that a game at this level of fame will keep on gaining new players even three years after release, it is pretty amazing that copies are still selling as fast as they are. Microtransactions have become really popular among gamers in spite of what the vocal minority would have you believe.
We've reported that some time ago Shark Cards in GTA Online have amassed over half a billion in profits, which makes them among the best selling microtransactions in AAA games in history. Now, that's a massive figure, which most games don't hit throughout their lifetime.
Microtransactions in GTA Online allow players to purchase in-game currency, which can otherwise be earned through gameplay, giving the paying users no additional advantage. Granted, gaining large sums of cash in the game is difficult and time-consuming, but there are methods for optimal income.
