GECs
Grand Theft Auto V tops $800 million first day
MUMBAI: It had been over five years since the last Grand Theft Auto game hit store shelves, and all that pent-up demand did wonders for sales of the franchise’s fifth installment, which went on sale Tuesday.
Take-Two Interactive Software announced Wednesday that the first day of “Grand Theft Auto V” sales topped $800 million worldwide (excluding Japan and Brazil, where the launch is still expected).
At about $60 a pop, that translates to more than 13 million units. It is the highest first-day retail sales in the company’s history and the GTA series, which had sold 125 million units before this release.
The revenue numbers also make GTAV the biggest video game launch ever, exceeding the record set last November by Activision’s Call of Duty: Black Ops II, which hit $500 million in its first 24 hours and a record $1 billion its first 15 days.
The question is whether GTAV will be able to maintain its momentum over the next two weeks and beat Activision with its consistently record-setting game. Then next up whether Activision’s next massive release, “Call of Duty: Ghosts,” can match $800 million its first day.
GTAV’s setting this record speaks of three major trends in the video game industry, which has otherwise been struggling with massive sales declines as consumers shift their spending to digital add-ons, and free or cheap apps.
First, big brands rule. During the past few years, consumers have bought fewer games, but they’re continuing to spend big on established titles.
Second, digital content makes games more appealing. GTAV has more digital add-ons than ever, and that makes it a better value proposition to the consumer.
And third, while people have held off on buying new consoles, with the next Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation coming this fall, every year the user base with consoles grows and enables a bigger game launch.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
