Take-Two Interactive has announced that Grand Theft Auto V has brought in an estimated $800 million in revenue from worldwide first day sales, setting a new record for both the franchise and the publisher. Making this feat even more impressive is that this total does not take into account the upcoming launches in Japan and Brazil.
Strauss Zelnick, the Chairman and CEO of Take-Two, commented on Rockstar Games’ success, saying:
“All of us at Take-Two are thrilled with the initial response to Grand Theft Auto V. Once again, the team at Rockstar Games have outdone themselves, setting the entertainment industry’s new standard for creativity, innovation and excellence. Beginning at midnight on Monday, consumers around the world gathered in anticipation to be among the first to experience the evolution of this remarkable series. In North America alone, more than 8,300 stores opened their doors at midnight to welcome fans whose loyalty and enthusiasm were rewarded with what The New York Times called ‘the most immersive spectacle in interactive entertainment’. We are incredibly proud of Rockstar Games’ creative achievement and could not be more pleased with the success of this launch.”
To put some perspective on just how impressive Grand Theft Auto V‘s day one sales are, GTA IV pulled in $310 million its first 24 hours back in 2008 and Call of Duty: Black Ops II (the previous first day record holder) totaled a measly $500 million last year.
With Grand Theft Auto V reportedly costing $260 million to both develop and promote, it is safe to say that it is all sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows over at Take-Two’s corporate office today.
