GTA V release date less likely to land before March 2013, analyst claims

The latest edition in Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto series appears less likely to launch before the end of March 2013, an analyst has claimed.
http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideo...mb_wide300.jpgColin Sebastian, a senior research analyst at Baird, said there were an increasing number of signs pointing to a release date later than he had previously expected, according to quotes published on Gamespot."By no means am I convinced that Grand Theft Auto V will miss March," he began, "but there are a couple of factors to consider. One, we haven't heard anything definitive from the company on release timing.
"Second, retailers typically would want four to six months lead time to prepare for a launch as large as GTA, and from what I understand, they haven't heard anything.
"Third, Rockstar rightly prioritises game quality over release date, and this dynamic could shift timing."
Publisher Take-Two recently projected to make about $1.8 billion net revenue in the current fiscal year - which ends March 2013 - though the company did not explain what game would have the appeal to effectively treble its operating income.
Many analysts believe it is GTA V that will account for the significant spike in revenues.
"Grand Theft Auto V is in full development and is making substantial progress," Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick told investors the company's annual shareholder meeting in February.
Sebastian believes that, when GTA V launches across retail, about 13 million units will ship to retail across three months.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...nalyst-claims/