Take-Two CEO Thinks Roblox Fans Will Transition to GTA as They Mature
During Take-Two’s recent earnings call, CEO Strauss Zelnick faced an intriguing question from an investor. With the popularity of Roblox among younger players, the question arose: as these kids grow up, will they gravitate towards GTA, or will they seek a more advanced version of Roblox?
This question is particularly relevant as we approach the release of GTA 6. According to the Entertainment Software Association’s 2025 Essential Facts report, kids from Gen Alpha and Gen Z are gaming more than any previous generation, with 83 percent of Gen Alpha playing at least an hour each week. Additionally, data from Newzoo indicates that they are more inclined to spend money on video games. However, their gaming preferences differ from older generations; younger players are increasingly using titles like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite as social platforms to connect with friends. These games are typically free-to-play with optional microtransactions, making them more accessible and eliminating the need for kids to ask their parents for full-priced games.
So, how does this affect the future of GTA? Will these young gamers be interested in GTA as they mature, or will they be looking for something akin to a more sophisticated Roblox? The question posed was, “Is a young person playing Roblox going to want to play an $80 Grand Theft Auto 6 when they grow up?” [Note: The $80 price point was mentioned by the questioner; Take-Two has not confirmed any specific pricing yet.]
Zelnick responded affirmatively, suggesting that as kids mature, their interests will naturally evolve. He elaborated:
“It’s the opposite. When entertainment is targeted at children, they typically reach a point around ages 10 or 11 where they no longer want to be seen as kids; they want to be teenagers. One challenge with children’s programming, whether in traditional media or interactive formats, is that kids eventually outgrow content aimed at them, even if it still appeals to them. So, it’s not necessarily the case that kid-friendly interactive entertainment leads directly to what we offer. Remember, we also create a variety of entertainment suitable for all audiences. However, regarding our M-rated titles, it’s not a straightforward transition from one type of content to another. It’s a different market. But for those 17 and older engaging with interactive entertainment, I find it hard to believe they wouldn’t be highly interested in our M-rated offerings, especially with one on the horizon.”
Zelnick’s perspective aligns with recent data. A study by the National Research Group highlighted that among Gen Alpha, the most popular games include Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite, along with Pokémon and, yes, GTA! While the ESRB may not endorse their play, it doesn’t seem to deter them. Plus, GTA Online serves as its own sandbox experience, functioning as a social hub. So, while Roblox may not be a direct feeder into GTA, it likely contributes to that transition in some way.
The earnings call also confirmed that fans eager for a new GTA won’t have to wait long, with a release date set for November 19, 2026. On the other hand, titles like Judas and BioShock will take at least another year to arrive. Meanwhile, Red Dead Redemption 2 is experiencing a resurgence, enjoying its best year since launch.
