GTA 6: Take-Two Interactive trims workforce and scraps projects, will it delay the launch? | Gaming News

GTA 6: Take-Two Interactive trims workforce and scraps projects, will it delay the launch?

Take-Two Interactive, the force behind Grand Theft Auto, is downsizing its workforce and axing projects, including some related to the highly anticipated GTA 6.

By: MD IJAJ KHAN
| Updated on: Apr 17 2024, 11:04 IST
5 notable things we saw in the GTA 6 trailer: Release date, characters, location and more
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1/5 Based in Vice City - Rockstar Games has brought back Grand Theft Auto to Vice City, its own fictional take on Miami but not for the first time. Vice City was first introduced in 2002’s GTA: Vice City. GTA 6’s open world is set in the state of Leonida and will feature iconic locations from the previous game such as Vice Beaches, Kelly County, Hamlet, Port Gellhorn, and more.  (Rockstar Games)
GTA 6: Take-Two Interactive trims workforce and scraps projects, will it delay the launch?
2/5 Two playable characters - We now know that GTA 6 will feature two protagonists - Lucia, and an unnamed male character, which leaks say is named Jason. It would be the first time in the HD universe that the Grand Theft Auto series will get a playable female protagonist. While not many details were revealed, the two characters were shown committing multiple crimes, hinting at a possible Bonnie & Clyde relationship. (Rockstar Games)
GTA 6: Take-Two Interactive trims workforce and scraps projects, will it delay the launch?
3/5 New features - As seen in the GTA 6 trailer, the game will feature a vast range of vehicles. Apart from traditional vehicles such as cars, trucks, boats, planes, helicopters, bikes, jet skis, and yachts, GTA 6 might also feature quad bikes, biplanes, hover boats, amphibious trucks, monster trucks, and cruise ships. Car customization might also be heavily featured in the game, with possible street racing returning. Players might also be able to join up at car meets. GTA 6 will also feature three gangs, with two of them already being named. There are a lot of animals too, with crocodiles and dogs already seen in the trailer. And yes, GTA 6 will feature DJs. (Rockstar Games)
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4/5 Inclusion of social media - GTA 6 will feature social media, as seen in the trailer. Social media posts can be seen, with players potentially being able to record themselves and post the clips online for the world to see. Moreover, GTA 6 is also likely to feature real-time reporting of events, as footage of crimes committed by the protagonists was shown in the trailer. (Rockstar Games)
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5/5 Release timeline, platforms - After years of waiting, we finally know the release timeline of GTA 6. Rockstar Games has announced that GTA 6 will be released in 2025, almost 12 years after the launch of GTA 5. The company has also revealed that it will be coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S systems, meaning that PC players might have to wait before getting their hands on the next Grand Theft Auto game. (Rockstar Games)
GTA 6: Take-Two Interactive trims workforce and scraps projects, will it delay the launch?
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GTA 6: Take-Two Interactive, known for GTA, trims staff and cancels projects, mirroring industry-wide layoffs. (Rockstar Games)

Take-Two Interactive, the powerhouse behind the beloved Grand Theft Auto franchise, including the highly anticipated GTA 6, is scaling back its staff and shelving certain gaming ventures. This move reflects a broader trend of restructuring and layoffs within the gaming realm in recent years.

Despite boasting a rich portfolio featuring iconic titles like Red Dead Redemption, BioShock, and Borderlands, alongside the popular 2K sports series, Take-Two Interactive is not immune to the need for cutbacks.

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Reported by Reuters, the company has confirmed plans to reduce its workforce by around 600 employees, constituting about 5 percent of its total staff. Additionally, it will divest some office spaces and abandon several projects in progress. These strategic measures aim to yield annual savings of approximately $165 million, countering a slowdown in revenue growth across PC and console gaming sectors. However, specific details regarding the scrapped projects remain undisclosed.

Acquisition Amidst Downsizing

Surprisingly, amidst these adjustments, Take-Two Interactive is finalizing a hefty $460 million deal to acquire Gearbox Entertainment. This acquisition coincides with the impending release of Grand Theft Auto 6, poised to be a major revenue generator for the company, even without factoring in potential microtransactions. Nevertheless, the acquisition announcement was swiftly shadowed by layoffs at Gearbox Entertainment, hinting at the broader direction the publisher is navigating.

Also read: GTA V PC Cheats: List of all GTA V PC Cheat Codes

Industry-wide Trend

The decision to downsize aligns with prevailing industry trends, driven by a desire to streamline operations and bolster profits. Many gaming companies, including giants like Sony and Microsoft, alongside numerous independent developers, have initiated similar workforce reductions. Some attribute these layoffs to an overabundance of staff recruited during the pandemic, as gaming experienced a surge in popularity amid lockdowns. 

Critics, however, challenge this narrative, asserting that corporate greed is a primary driver behind these layoffs. The director of Baldur's Gate 3 at Larian Studios has voiced skepticism regarding the industry's justifications, highlighting the plight of developers impacted by these decisions.

Also read: GTA 5 tops EU charts: Ranks among top 10 downloaded PS4 and PS5 games; GTA 6 trailer 2 expected soon

Regardless of the rationale, the repercussions are felt keenly by the dedicated developers whose efforts bring games to fruition.

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First Published Date: 17 Apr, 11:04 IST
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