Take-Two Boss Says He Has Confidence in GTA's Future

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick talks about the departure of GTA 5 head Leslie Benzies.

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has revealed that longtime studio head of Grand Theft Auto V developer Rockstar North wend on sabbatical and decided not to return to work. He praised Benzies' contributions to the Grand Theft Auto series and said he is "highly confident" the GTA franchise will move forward without issue.

"We're really proud of the team approach that we have here at our company--and we have a very broad and deep team," Zelnick said. "We're so proud of the deep and broad pool of creative talent. It's our job to move ahead day and night without ever missing a beat. And that's what we're doing."

During the post-earnings briefing Zelnick was asked what Benzies' departure means. But he provided a high-level overview of the contractual relationships it has with developers across its studios.

"In terms of our colleagues here at every level, we enjoy longstanding relationships with all the people who make this organization tick," he said. "We aim to be the best place in the business to work at. We are imperfect, of course, and I'm especially imperfect. But our track record speaks for itself.

"We have extraordinarily long-term relationships [with our employees] and I'm highly confident they will continue."

Zelnick was also asked if he knew anything about Benzies' post-Rockstar plans and if he was worried that Benzies might try to draw out talent from Rockstar. Zelnick dodged this question.

"I have all the respect in the world for Leslie and for everyone else here, current and former colleagues," he said. "Of course, I wish him all the best. I can't comment on his plans."