GTA 5 release date may be announced on February 5, says Pachter

UPDATE (31/01/13 16:37): Rockstar has announced a September 17 release date for Grand Theft Auto 5.

ORIGINAL STORY: A release date for Grand Theft Auto 5 may be announced by publisher Take-Two as part of its fiscal 2013 Q3 results on February 5, Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter has said.

In a Q3 Preview released to investors, Pachter wrote: “Grand Theft Auto V’s release date remains elusive, frustrating shareholders.

“TTWO initially provided FY:13 EPS guidance in “excess of $2.00″ in May 2011, a strong indication of GTA V’s release, but conceded that it would not ship in FY:13 last August when it lowered EPS guidance for the year to $0.00 – 0.20. Investor confidence appears shaken by repeated, unexpected, and unjustified swings in profit and loss. If Rockstar is ready to confide in Take-Two management, we may learn the launch date next week.”

Pachter added that he continues to “expect a launch in May”. Rockstar is currently communicating a spring release date.

The video games analysts also commented on Take-Two’s acquisition of Evolve from THQ.

“Although little is known about the co-op action game, the ≈ $11 million price tag, solid track record of Turtle Rock Studios (co-developer of the Left 4 Dead games), and Take-Two’s emphasis on quality suggests a high probability of success,” advised Pachter.

Source: Wedbush Investor Preview