Take-Two exec Strauss Zelnick has shared an interesting dynamic that occurred from this summer’s failed theatrical adaptation. The CEO explained during this week’s earnings, in a seemingly tongue-in-cheek moment, that while the film didn’t meet expectations, it did at least have a positive impact on game sales. The film, which had a combined estimated cost of $135 million only managed to bring in around $33 million in global ticket sales. It is considered one of the biggest flops of 2024. It hit VOD a mere three weeks after its August 9 theatrical debut and has yet to hit free streaming, hinting at a last desperate hope from the film studio to make more of its money back.
The Take-Two exec shared about what impact the film had on Gearbox Software’s popular game IP during a Q&A in which responded, “With regard to Borderlands, we don’t really need to break out the contribution from the film, because while it was economically positive, it wasn’t material to our results,” said Zelnick.
Transcription (via VGC):
“Even through the film was disappointing, it actually benefited our catalogue sales, so that is a sign that making a movie or a television show based on our very high quality IP can drive catalogue sales, and that can be a good thing.”
Take-Two CEO, Strauss Zelnick
Zelnick further added and doubled down in emphasizing that Take-Two is very selective with its licensing agreements with its brands. The game publisher prefers each licensing deal to be successful but cannot always guarantee the best results when various projects are not under their control.
Transcription (via VGC):
 “All that said, we’re really selective, and one of the reasons we’ve been so selective about licensing is we would really prefer that everything that comes out with our brands in it is really, really successful, and we can’t guarantee that, especially when it’s out of our hands. So, we have licensed other titles, we will continue selectively to do so, but [note the] ever so subtle word, selectively.”
Take-Two CEO, Strauss Zelnick
Take-Two’s CEO also noted in T2’s earnings release that there were $1.47 net bookings for the publisher which were directly tied to sales for its Grand Theft Auto and Borderlands franchises resulting in surpassed expectations. He added, “As we look ahead, we believe that Take-Two remains exceedingly well-positioned for the long-term.”
Zelnick continued saying, “Our vision is clear, our talent is unparalleled, and we have one of the strongest portfolios of owned intellectual property in our industry. With many exciting new titles coming in Fiscal 2026 – including Grand Theft Auto VI in the fall, Borderlands 4 and Mafia: The Old Country – we expect to create long-term value for our shareholders.”
The praise for Gearbox’s titles never seemed to end in the earnings call as it was mentioned again in the conference call release. From Borderlands to its Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands spinoff there were more compliments from the Take-Two exec continued as well as hopes for upcoming titles.
Per T2 Conference Call release:
- “Our catalog also outperformed, led by our immensely popular Borderlands franchise. Now that Gearbox has officially joined the 2K and Take-Two family, we are eager to capitalize on the many potential growth opportunities for Borderlands, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, and other Gearbox titles.”
- “Looking ahead, we expect Fiscal 2026 to be a milestone year, as we plan to release several blockbuster titles, including Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto VI in fall of 2025, Borderlands 4 and Mafia: The Old Country”