Rockstar’s marketing budget is solid proof that GTA VI is due in 2023 – Destructoid

Hurry up and wait

When developers and publishers drag their feet in revealing new games, we’ll take it upon ourselves to speculate and prematurely confirm their existence. Reading the tea leaves regarding Rockstar’s most assured sequel has us anticipating a wait that will last a few more years.

Last week, Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive, filed its required annual Form 10-K with the SEC. A 10-K is not 6.2 miles; this is a detailed report for investors which documents all facets of a publicly traded company’s finances, such as: history, organizational structure, financial statements, earnings per share, subsidiaries, executive compensation and any other relevant data.

Analyst Jeff Cohen of investment firm Stephens Inc. noted that Take-Two expects its marketing budget to swell to $89.2 million for the period April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024 (as as reported by GamesBeat). For the previous fiscal year, the marketing budget is expected to be $40.9 million. After that, it’s $35.5 million for fiscal year 2025.

It seems pretty obvious that a publisher’s marketing spend would increase — more than double in this case — in support of a major launch. Recently there have been reports that Rockstar is in early development on Grand Theft Auto VI. The timelines seem to make sense. Rockstar is ready to ramp up production on GTA VI while internally planning a 2023 (or spring 2024) release.

However, don’t be surprised if Take-Two isn’t determined to get the next one. GTA out the door as quickly as possible. It will be a commercial jackpot, of course – it’s almost guaranteed. Corn, GTA V continues to print money quarter after quarter. Take-Two already has the golden goose, which means he’s probably in no rush to hatch the next golden goose.

Grand Theft Auto VI in 2023? Take-Two SEC hints at release date [GamesBeat]