Take Two Secure Housers News

The champagne can flow in relief today at Take Two Interactive, as the publisher confirmed that it had secured the services of Rockstar Games' senior creative team through to the end of January 2012.

Besides new contracts for Rockstar co-founders Dan and Sam Houser, together with GTA IV producer Leslie Benzies, Take Two has also agreed to fund and publish new IP developed by a new outfit created by key members of Rockstar.

Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two, commented, "We're delighted with the extension and expansion of Take-Two's relationship with the Rockstar team. The talent and creativity at Rockstar are unparalleled in our industry. Their dedication to making extraordinary games has captured the enthusiasm of millions of fans around the world and has contributed enormously to establishing Take-Two as a force in the global video game marketplace and advancing our goal to become the most creative and most innovative company in the industry. In addition, this new chapter in our successful relationship further aligns the interests of our creative teams with those of our shareholders."

Sam Houser, Founder and Executive Producer of Rockstar Games, added, "The entire Rockstar team has always been dedicated to making groundbreaking games with unprecedented production values, style and depth. We are excited to continue our partnership with the new management team at Take-Two, who have helped us to protect the unique atmosphere that fosters creativity and innovation."

News of the deal with Rockstar's creative heads comes on the day that Take Two Interactive announced record end of year revenues.  The fiscal 2008 results reveal the publisher increased its year-on-year revenues to $1.54 billion, and at the same time overturned a net loss of $138.4 million to record net income of $97.1 million.

Fiscal 2009 will see Take Two release several high-profile titles, including Mafia II, GTA: Chinatown Wars, Borderlands, and Bioshock 2.  Both Xbox 360 exclusive downloadable content packs for GTA IV are also scheduled to arrive before the end of October 2009.