In a conversation with CNBC’s Jim Cramer, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick briefly addressed criticism surrounding the release of the Grand Theft Auto trilogy. Cramer, who is entirely focused on the financial impact of the trilogy’s launch and reception, asks how Take-Two can “smooth out” the long-term view of the company. Zelnick’s response is surprisingly obtuse. First, he mentions that Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition is “not a new title,” to make clear to Cramer that the remasters shouldn’t be viewed in the same way as a new AAA Grand Theft Auto release.
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Second, Zelnick dismisses “defects” in the Grand Theft Auto trilogy as simply glitches that existed when the trio of remasters first launched. He goes on to say that the “glitch” has now been resolved. Further, Zelnick says that the Grand Theft Auto trilogy has “done just great for the company.” Zelnick goes on to say that with the Grand Theft Auto trilogy improved, Take-Two is “very excited” looking forward to the company’s long-term prospects.
It should be made especially clear that Zelnick is speaking to a financially-motivated audience that likely has little familiarity with the Grand Theft Auto games, and no interest in changing that. Zelnick isn’t on Cramer’s show to discuss what makes Grand Theft Auto exciting so much as to instill confidence in the company’s stock. When he says Grand Theft Auto launched with a “glitch,” that’s him acknowledging the negativity in the media at launch. When Zelnick says things are better now, he’s still likely referring to media attention and is focused on instilling confidence in the company.
Obviously, from a critical view, Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition still has many issues. These are innate issues, however, and won’t be changing. They’re issues with the GTA trilogy’s visuals, how gameplay feels compared to the original games, and problems inherent to the conversion of the old games to the new engine. It’s certain that Zelnick knows this, but he’s not going to discuss them with Cramer.
What is clear from Zelnick’s conversation with Cramer, however, is that despite the Grand Theft Auto trilogy’s persistent issues, it was successful in the eyes of Take-Two. Grand Theft Auto proves to be incredibly successful, regardless of serious criticism and quality issues. Needless to say, there will be questions regarding Rockstar’s future games, regardless of Cramer’s opinions.
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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