Rockstar to stay with Take-Two, says analyst

Despite earlier speculation by analysts to the contrary, it has been suggested that Rockstar North and Sam and Dan Houser will not split from parent company Take-Two Interactive.

In a research note sourced by Edge, Janco Partners’ Mike Hickey wrote: “Change is difficult to embrace in the best of environments, much less the current global economic upheaval we are living in today,"

“We do not believe this is an appropriate time for the Rockstar team to raise capital and go independent."

Hickey added: "We do not expect the Rockstar team could find a more compelling corporate structure to work under. We do not believe they will compromise their considerable mid-cycle product/passion momentum, by leaving Take-Two Interactive, the Rockstar team/culture, and the meaningful IP Take-Two controls."

Vocal industry analyst, Wedbush Morgan’s Michael Pachter, had predicted in late 2007 that Rockstar North would split from Take-Two when the contract between the studio and its parent company ends in 2009. However, Rockstar North’s agreement with Take-Two apparently offers substantial freedom for the studio behind the Grand Theft Auto series.