Take Twos future is independent, insists Zelnick

Take Two executive chairman Strauss Zelnick has claimed that his business model will see the publisher remain independent – unless his shareholders tell him otherwise.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in a wider interview about Zelnick’s own ZelnickMedia, he reiterated his previously stated view that he expects consolidation in the global publishing industry this year.

Zelnick said:

I think we can expect consolidation. I’d rather not speculate on the nature of value creation. It has a lot to do with the capabilities of individuals and the goals of employees.

"This is not just a math lesson, this is a creative enterprise. Does consolidation create better games for consumers? Does it create better careers for the creatives? Those questions are just as important. If all stakeholders aren’t taken care of, then none of the stakeholders will benefit.

We’ve been at Take-Two only for 10 months and are really proud of the progress we’ve made. And we think this company has a really bright future as an independent company. In the absence of an opportunity that our shareholders value more than this approach, that’s our business model.”

When questioned about the EA bid for Take Two, Zelnick jokingly feigned weariness.

We are here for our shareholders,” he added. [EA] made a (specific) proposal, we rejected it. Next!”