Link: DFC Intelligence expects GTA VI to generate $3.2B in its first year, double that of 2013's GTA V, making it a bright spot in a lackluster video games market (Tim Bradshaw/Financial Times)

The highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI is expected to be the largest entertainment launch of 2025, with projections of generating $3bn in its first year. This marks a significant boost for the video game industry, which has otherwise seen a slump in recent years.

Grand Theft Auto VI, set for release in autumn on PlayStation and Xbox, is anticipated to surpass $1bn in pre-orders alone. Analysts predict that its total revenue in the first 12 months will double that of its predecessor, totaling $3.2bn.

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has high expectations, believing Rockstar Games will deliver a phenomenal product. The first GTA VI trailer has already amassed over 225 million views on YouTube, signaling strong consumer interest.

Despite GTA VI's projected success, the broader games industry continues to struggle, evidenced by significant layoffs across major companies. The industry's recovery is slow, with estimated growth of only 2.2% in consumer spending on games in 2025.

Industry experts like Nicholas Lovell describe the video game business as mature, with no new significant market growth expected. Challenges such as reduced player time and competition from video apps like TikTok exacerbate the industry's difficulties.

While blockbuster games like GTA remain highly profitable, the overall pace of industry growth has slackened. New titles struggle to divert attention from established franchises, increasingly relying on live services and content updates to retain players. #

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