GTA publisher CEO Strauss Zelnick predicts one or two third-party publishers will go out of business in coming years.

The upcoming console cycle will come at the cost of one or two third-party publishers, according to Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick. Speaking at the Credit Suisse 2012 Technology Conference, Zelnick said those not positioned effectively when the time comes will die out.

"If you're not capitalized for the transition, you can find out that you're not there for the transition," Zelnick said. "And historically, in every transition that's occurred in this business, one or two third-parties have gone out of business. Last time around it was Midway and a couple of others. Reasonable people can argue about which one it'll be this time. I have my own point of view, which I haven't exactly been quiet about. We make sure we're not on the list of casualties; to the contrary, we're on the list of winners."

Zelnick did not specifically name any publishers that he anticipates will not survive the transition. However, his comments alluded to his prediction in April that Saints Row and Darksiders publisher THQ would be dead in six months. Six months have passed and THQ is still in business, though the company's is not having an easy time managing.

A representative from Take-Two said Zelnick's remarks were not aimed at any one company and declined to add further details. A THQ representative had not responded to GameSpot's request for comment at press time.

Zelnick believes Take-Two will not only survive the console transition, but also prosper during this time. To succeed in the market, Zelnick said publishers must have four "key elements." These, he said, are owned intellectual property, power, technology, and a "very strong" financial footing. The executive claimed Take-Two is either "competitive" or has the "best in the business" for each category.

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