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Rockstar look to secure GTA future

Shares for 'key' Rockstar staff

A new report on GamesIndustry.biz, based on analytical opinion and Take-Two's latest financial filings, reveals the extent to which the company relies upon the success of Grand Theft Auto and the lengths to which they will go to secure the future of the series. We've never doubted the central role GTA has played in building Take-Two (and sub-division Rockstar) into a major global publisher, but the PLC's continued failure to diversify and create other top-selling franchises is a failing that must worry the company and investors.

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Now, "key" Rockstar employees involved in the creative and management side of the GTA series will be rewarded with 14.8 million USD in stock now, with a further 10.2 million in the future, in order to maintain their services and therefore (Take-Two will hope), the continued success of GTA. "We rely on our management and other key personnel for the successful operation of our business. In particular, we are highly dependent on the expertise, skills and knowledge of certain of our Rockstar employees responsible for content creation and development of Grand Theft Auto and other titles," confesses the filing reported by GamesIndustry.biz.

The filing also concedes that even with extra compensation it may be impossible to retain all staff pivotal to the GTA series and other major titles. Despite Take-Two and Rockstar's efforts to maintain the strength of their game, then, experts have been noting that GTA is also a drain on the company's coffers and reputation, owing to the seemingly perpetual litigation surrounding the controversial game.

More on this as we get it.