Grand Theft Auto V led the way in strong September video game sales, according to data released last week. Meanwhile Rockstar, the maker of GTA and a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO), has rolled out a major update to the game.
September video game sales were strong
BMO Capital analysts Edward S. Williams, Thomas F. Andrews and San Q. Phan issued a report last week with the latest information on September’s video game sales. The report met their expectations, showing that September’s video game sales rose 52 percent, while total industry dollars increased 27 percent.
They say the “colossal” launch of Grand Theft Auto V made up the lion’s share of the strong results, representing 61 percent of total software sales during the month. Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) estimates that global sales of the latest version of GTA hit $1 billion in just the three days after its Sept. 17 launch.
Rockstar rolls out major update to GTA
Martin Gaston of Gamespot reports that on Friday, Rockstar rolled out one of the biggest updates to Grand Theft Auto V so far. He said the main focus of that update was the slashing of the amount of money gamers earn for completing missions a second time. Rockstar revealed that while gamers will still receive the full amount of money for completing missions the first time, the amount they earn for subsequent times will be cut in half. They also reduced the maximum cash penalty for dying in the game from $2,000 to $500. The full changes are highlighted on Rockster’s website.
This week Rockstar also plans to be rolling out its $500,000 “stimulus package” for players because of the major problems they experienced right after the latest version of GTA launched. Game maker also said it was discussing the possibility of allowing NPC missions to be played in the online edition of Grand Theft Auto.
