Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games and 2K Games, shared his thoughts on the possible acquisition of Electronic Arts and its potential delisting from the stock market. He reflected on how such a scenario could impact his company.
In an interview with The Game Business, Zelnick explained that while the disappearance of a direct competitor could offer a competitive advantage, Take-Two never takes anything for granted and never allows itself to relax.
The Importance of Competition
“No longer having a big direct competitor that’s also a public company may give us a bit of room from a competitive point-of-view,” Zelnick said, emphasizing that competition is essential for the industry’s health.
“We wish our competitors well,” he added. “A good business is well served by having powerful players, not just one powerful player. So, it’s possible that the competitor landscape shifts a bit, it’s also possible nothing changes at all. Either way, we have to do our job, which is to make the very best entertainment on Earth.”
Creativity as the Core of Take-Two’s Success
The topic of the EA buyout also came up during a recent shareholders meeting, where Zelnick discussed how being a publicly traded company carries certain risks, yet Take-Two is currently in an excellent market position, thanks largely to its creative achievements.
“We never take anything for granted,” Zelnick told a shareholder. “Arrogance is the enemy of continued success. We are always looking over our shoulders. We are always scared… so I’m not sure that’s really a difference that makes a difference..”
In other news, Grand Theft Auto VI has been delayed again. Rockstar Games has announced the new official worldwide release date for the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S is now November 19, 2026
