Grand Theft Auto 6 is not on store shelves yet, but investors already seem convinced it will dominate the industry.

Shares of Take-Two Interactive jumped this week after fresh chatter online claimed pre-orders for Rockstar’s upcoming blockbuster may begin before the end of May. The spike was sharp enough to push the publisher close to record territory in market value.

That is a huge reaction for a game that still lacks a confirmed launch date.

Reports around the rumoured GTA 6 pre-order plans started spreading after supposed marketing material and retailer talk appeared online. Nothing has been officially announced by Rockstar Games or Take-Two, but that did not stop traders from piling in.

The timing is interesting too.

Take-Two’s next financial briefing is scheduled for later this month, and many expect GTA 6 to be the main focus. Investors are betting the company will finally share clearer release plans or sales expectations for what could become the biggest entertainment launch in years.

The market reaction also says a lot about the current state of gaming. Few publishers can move billions with rumours alone. GTA 6 clearly can.

Fans are still waiting for official confirmation on pre-orders. Until then, the speculation machine is doing most of the heavy lifting.

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