During Take-Two Interactive Software Inc ( TTWO )‘s recent first quarter earnings call, CEO Strauss Zelnick provided insights into the ongoing speculation about the company’s interest in the FIFA license and discussed the potential impact of the video game voice actor strike on the industry.

FIFA License: A Complex Challenge

With rumors circulating about 2K Sports potentially acquiring the FIFA license after the Electronic Arts Inc ( EA ). decision to drop it, Zelnick highlighted the complexities involved in such a move, IGN reported.

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“I would just note with regards to the FIFA license, it does not bring along with it rights; it doesn't come along with players, teams, or leagues,” Zelnick said.

“So it's not as simple, for example, as negotiating with the NFL, or the NBA, or MLB, where at most you have to negotiate with a league and a player's association,” the CEO continued.

EA has secured a strong position in the market with its EA Sports FC franchise, having locked in agreements with major leagues like the Premier League and La Liga. Zelnick pointed out that any competitor would face significant challenges in building a similar foundation, making it more than just a matter of acquiring the FIFA brand.

Developing A New Simulation Game

Moreover, Zelnick acknowledged the potential benefits of creating a successful sports simulation game but also stressed the challenges.

“We're very mindful that it's incredibly difficult to build a great sim experience for console, it takes a long time, and if you do it right, your users are very loyal and very embedded,” he said.

Take-Two's success with titles like NBA 2K demonstrates the company's capability in this area, but developing a new soccer simulation would be a substantial undertaking, requiring extensive time and resources.

Meanwhile, Strauss Zelnick highlighted that Take-Two is already active in the soccer market with Top Eleven, which he referred to as the “number one mobile soccer manager title.”

He also praised the company’s existing sports games, including NBA 2K and WWE 2K, and acknowledged the strong relationships with various leagues, describing them as “great partners.”

Zelnick added: “From our point of view, we have a great sports portfolio… I'm sure we will make more announcements in due course.”

Video Game Voice Actor Strike: Potential Long-Term Impact

Zelnick also addressed the ongoing video game voice actor strike, expressing hope for a resolution while acknowledging the potential for long-term effects if the strike continues.

“We deeply value our talent relationships. Historically, we’ve worked really successfully with all the guilds, including SAG-AFTRA,” he said. “We’re going to continue to work hard to come to a resolution. We’ve already reached common ground on 24 out of 25 proposals, so I’m confident we can find a way to get to a deal and we certainly hope that we will. That said, we do not expect the strike to have an impact on our business in the near-term. “

And added: “Obviously, a long-term strike wouldn’t be good for anyone.”

The strike focuses on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating digital replicas of actors. Union members are seeking disclosure of AI usage, consent from actors and appropriate compensation for the use of their likenesses.

Take-Two's Financial Performance

Despite these industry challenges, Take-Two reported solid financial results, with total net bookings of $1.22 billion for the first quarter. The company's full-year guidance projects net bookings between $5.55 billion and $5.65 billion.

Key titles such as Grand Theft Auto V, which has sold over 200 million units, and Red Dead Redemption 2, with over 65 million units sold, continue to contribute to the company's strong performance.

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Image credits: Sergei Elagin on Shutterstock.