For weeks, one of the top video game stories has been leaks of the highly anticipated "Grand Theft Auto VI" game, which is coming from Take-Two Interactive Software (NASDAQ:TTWO) unit Rockstar Games. While the leaks come months before the games release, they may be contributing to increased attention on the game.
GTA 6 Anticipation Builds
Fans of the Grand Theft Auto franchise have been waiting a long time for the latest game, often referred to as "GTA 6." The last game in the series, “GTA V,” was released in September 2013. After years of delays, a November 19 release date is nearing for gamers and investors.
Several leaks have happened for the recent game, which may spoil characters, gameplay and major plot lines ahead of the game’s release. While this could spoil the fun for some, the good news is it isn’t likely to hurt sales of the game.
Preorders of the Ultimate version of the game ($99.99) have been outselling the Standard ($79.99) version of the game, according to Take-Two’s CEO.
On Wednesday, Rockstar Games addressed the leaks, calling them "heartbreaking for our team. The gaming company also expressed its frustration with the game’s delays.
"We are very sorry that everything has taken as long as it has—from getting the game finished (nearly there!) to sharing more details and official gameplay, and providing the community with everything you want to know," the company said in a statement shared on social media.
A look at Google Trends shows searches for "GTA" and "GTA VI" up over the last week and hitting their highest level since June 20 to June 27 when preorders of the game began. This past week has been the second highest for searches for the game in 2026 to date.
Netflix Special
The strong search interest in the game and built-up anticipation could be good news for Take-Two and Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:NFLX).
The streaming giant will air "Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look" at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday. The special will feature looks at gameplay, a likely trailer and more details on what fans should expect when the game is released.
Netflix has the exclusive rights to this special for six hours before the items also appear on Rockstar’s YouTube and other platforms.
For Netflix, this marks an extension of a partnership with Take-Two and could also highlight its growing live content and live specials segment.
Take-Two Opportunity
Take-Two analysts have been raising price targets on the stock after third-quarter financial results and ahead of the "GTA 6" release.
Back in June, Bank of America Securities analyst Omar Dessouky reiterated a Buy rating on Take-Two stock and raised the price target from $320 to $368. After earnings, he kept the Buy rating and price target.
The analyst said the success of "GTA 6" could lead to higher monetization opportunities for the gaming company and its "Grand Theft Online" segment.
“Next GTAO could monetize at 2x the predecessor, catching up to Fortnite, with potential for further upside,” Dessouky said.
The analyst raised estimates for fiscal year 2028 bookings by $900 million to $2.2 billion. The analyst assumes $60 per monthly active user annually, up from a previous estimate of $35.
“Our analysis shows GTAO currently monetizes at a significantly lower rate than other major live service franchises (Fortnite, Call of Duty, FC Ultimate Team), and we expect the gap to narrow post-launch."
Dessouky sees GTAO monetizing at least as well as Fortnite, based on a “pay-to-progress” model rather than just a cosmetic model that gets Fortnite $60 annually per monthly active user.
Estimates from the analyst see “GTA 6” selling 45 million units for fiscal 2027 and 25.8 million units for fiscal 2028.
Take Two Stock Price Action
Take Two stock trades at $235.47 on Wednesday versus a 52-week trading range of $187.63 to $265.65. Despite hitting new all-time highs in July, the stock is currently down 6.4% year-to-date. Thursday’s Netflix special and game update marks a potential catalyst to turn things around and see shares trade higher heading into the November launch.
Photo: miss.cabul va Shutterstock
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