Take-Two Boss Says GTA Trilogy Has Done Great Despite 'Glitch in the Beginning'

The release ofGrand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Editionhas tarnished many fans' opinion of modern Rockstar Games, seeing it as an unpolished and rushed product rather than meeting the high standard that many expect of theGrand Theft Autofranchise. While improvements have been made to theGrand Theft Autotrilogy since, many see the product as inherently flawed regardless of updates and fixes. The CEO of Rockstar parent company Take-Two Interactive, however, sees the situation differently.In a conversation with CNBC’s Jim Cramer,Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnickbriefly addressed criticism surrounding the release of theGrand Theft Autotrilogy. Cramer, who is entirely focused on the financial impact of the trilogy’s launch and reception, asks how Take-Two can “smooth out” the long-term view of the company. Zelnick’s response is surprisingly obtuse. First, he mentions thatGrand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Editionis “not a new title,” to make clear to Cramer that the remasters shouldn’t be viewed in the same way as a new AAAGrand Theft Autorelease.RELATED:GTA Online Player Recreates Spider-Man Characters In-GameSecond, Zelnick dismisses “defects” in theGrand Theft Autotrilogy as simply glitches that existed when the trio of remasters first launched. He goes on to say that the “glitch” has now been resolved. Further, Zelnick says that theGrand Theft Autotrilogy has “done just great for the company.” Zelnick goes on to say that with theGrand Theft Autotrilogy improved, Take-Two is “very excited” looking forward to the company’s long-term prospects.

It should be made especially clear that Zelnick is speaking to a financially-motivated audience that likely has little familiarity with theGrand Theft Autogames, and no interest in changing that. Zelnick isn’t on Cramer’s show to discuss what makesGrand Theft Autoexciting so much as to instill confidence in the company’s stock. When he saysGrand Theft Autolaunched with a “glitch,” that’s him acknowledging the negativity in the media at launch. When Zelnick says things are better now, he’s still likely referring to media attention and is focused on instilling confidence in the company.

Obviously, from a critical view,Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Editionstill has many issues. These are innate issues, however, and won’t be changing. They’re issues with theGTAtrilogy’s visuals, how gameplay feels compared to the original games, and problems inherent to the conversion of the old games to the new engine. It’s certain that Zelnick knows this, but he’s not going to discuss them with Cramer.

What is clear from Zelnick’s conversation with Cramer, however, is that despite theGrand Theft Autotrilogy’s persistent issues, it was successful in the eyes of Take-Two.Grand Theft Autoproves to be incredibly successful, regardless of serious criticism and quality issues. Needless to say, there will be questions regarding Rockstar’s future games, regardless of Cramer’s opinions.

Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Editionis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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