Take-Two thinks mid-generation console refreshes are likely

videogameschronicle.com:

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick thinks it’s likely that there’ll be mid-generation console refreshes during the current cycle.

GamesIdustry.biz asked Zelnick if we can expect to see updated versions of PS5 and Xbox Series X/S released, and whether hardware refreshes in the last generation had much of an impact on the company’s business.

“We probably will,” he said, “and they did not affect the business very much.”

Zelnick also discussed the company’s plans to continue supporting Switch and last-gen consoles.

Following the recent cancellation of the Switch version of Marvel Midnight Suns, Take-Two will release Lego 2K Drive for Nintendo’s console this week and Zynga’s Star Wars Hunters for Switch later this year.

With a new Nintendo console reportedly coming as early as 2024, Zelnick was asked if the company will continue supporting Switch beyond this year.

“Yes, I think we’ll continue to support it,” he said.

And during Take-Two’s earnings call on Wednesday, Zelnick was asked when the publisher might stop supporting last-gen consoles.

“It really varies,” he said (transcribed by VGC). “Obviously, our labels will continue to support platforms for which they believe there’s a meaningful audience, and if and when the audience diminishes to the point where it’s not economical to do so then we stop supporting the platforms, but in general we’re pretty supportive on an ongoing basis.”

Zelnick also said on Wednesday that Rockstar owner Take-Two is forecasting a sharp jump in sales during its fiscal year beginning in April 2024, driven by the release of “several groundbreaking titles that we believe will set new standards in our industry”.