| BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (the "Company," "we," "us," or similar pronouns) was incorporated in the state of Delaware in 1993. We are a leading developer, publisher and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe. The Company develops and publishes products principally through its two wholly-owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K. Our products are designed for console systems and personal computers, including smart phones and tablets, and are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms and cloud streaming services. Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial statements of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Reclassifications Certain immaterial amounts in the financial statements of the prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation for comparative purposes. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Our most significant estimates and assumptions relate to the recoverability of software development costs and prepaid royalties, licenses and intangibles, valuation of inventories, realization of deferred income taxes, the adequacy of price protection, allowances for sales returns and doubtful accounts, accrued liabilities, the service period for deferred net revenue and related cost of goods sold, fair value estimates, the valuation of stock-based compensation, and assumptions used in our goodwill impairment tests. These estimates generally involve complex issues and require us to make judgments, involve analysis of historical and the prediction of future trends, and are subject to change from period to period. Actual amounts could differ significantly from these estimates. The Company considers transactions or events that occur after the balance sheet date, but before the financial statements are issued, to provide additional evidence relative to certain estimates or to identify matters that require additional disclosures. Concentration of Credit Risk and Accounts Receivable We maintain cash balances at several major financial institutions. While we attempt to limit credit exposure with any single institution, balances often exceed insurable amounts. If the financial condition and operations of our customers deteriorate, our risk of collection could increase substantially. A majority of our trade receivables are derived from sales to major retailers and distributors. Our five largest customers accounted for 65.5% 58.9% and 64.6% of net revenue during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. One customer accounted for 26.3% , 20.7% and 13.3% of net revenues during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. A second customer accounted for 14.2% , 15.5% , and 11.7% of net revenue during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , and 2015 respectively. A third customer accounted for 10.9% of net revenue during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 . A fourth customer accounted for 21.0% of net revenue during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015 . A fifth customer accounted for 10.4% of net revenue during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015 . As of March 31, 2017 and 2016 , five customers accounted for 69.9% and 73.9% of our gross accounts receivable, respectively. Customers that individually accounted for more than 10% of our gross accounts receivable balance comprised 57.6% and 64.1% of such balances at March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. We had two customers who accounted for 40.2% and 17.4% of our gross accounts receivable as of March 31, 2017 and three customers who accounted for 35.2% , 16.8% and 12.1% of our gross accounts receivable as of March 31, 2016 . We did not have any additional customers that exceeded 10% of our gross accounts receivable as of March 31, 2017 and 2016 . Based upon performing ongoing credit evaluations, maintaining trade credit insurance on a majority of our customers and our past collection experience, we believe that the receivable balances from these largest customers do not represent a significant credit risk. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Our restricted cash balance is primarily related to a dedicated account limited to the payment of certain internal royalty obligations. Short-term Investments Short-term investments designated as available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices for such securities, if available, or is estimated on the basis of quoted market prices of financial instruments with similar characteristics. Investments with original maturities greater than 90 days and remaining maturities of less than one year are normally classified within short-term investments. In addition, investments with maturities beyond one year at the time of purchase that are highly liquid in nature and represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations are classified as short-term investments. Unrealized gains and losses of the Company's available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported as a component of other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax, until the security is sold, the security has matured, or the Company determines that the fair value of the security has declined below its adjusted cost basis and the decline is other-than-temporary. Realized gains and losses on short-term investments are calculated based on the specific identification method and would be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest and other, net. Short-term investments are evaluated for impairment quarterly. The Company considers various factors in determining whether it should recognize an impairment charge, including the credit quality of the issuer, the duration that the fair value has been less than the adjusted cost basis, the severity of the impairment, the reason for the decline in value, and our intent to sell and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. If the Company concludes that an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired, it recognizes an impairment charge at that time in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In determining whether the decline in fair value is other-than-temporary requires management judgment based on the specific facts and circumstances of each security. The ultimate value realized on these securities is subject to market price volatility until they are sold. Inventory Inventory consists of materials, including manufacturing royalties paid to console manufacturers, and is stated at the lower of weighted average cost or net realizable value. Estimated product returns are included in the inventory balance at their cost. We regularly review inventory quantities on-hand and in the retail channels and record an inventory provision for excess or obsolete inventory based on the future expected demand for our products. Significant changes in demand for our products would affect management's estimates in establishing our inventory provision. We write down inventory based on excess or obsolete inventories determined primarily by future anticipated demand for our products. Inventory write-downs are measured as the difference between the cost of the inventory and market value, based upon assumptions about future demand that are inherently difficult to assess. Software Development Costs and Licenses Capitalized software development costs include direct costs incurred for internally developed titles and payments made to third-party software developers under development agreements. We capitalize internal software development costs (including specifically identifiable employee stock-based compensation, payroll expense, and incentive compensation costs related to the completion and release of titles, as well as third-party production and other content costs), subsequent to establishing technological feasibility of a software title. Technological feasibility of a product includes the completion of both technical design documentation and game design documentation. Significant management judgments are made in the assessment of when technological feasibility is established. For products where proven technology exists, this may occur early in the development cycle. Technological feasibility is evaluated on a product-by-product basis. We enter into agreements with third-party developers that require us to make payments for game development and production services. In exchange for our payments, we receive the exclusive publishing and distribution rights to the finished game title as well as, in some cases, the underlying intellectual property rights. Such agreements typically allow us to fully recover these payments to the developers at an agreed upon royalty rate earned on the subsequent sales of such software, net of any agreed upon costs. Prior to establishing technological feasibility of a product, we record any costs incurred by third-party developers as research and development expenses. Subsequent to establishing technological feasibility of a product, we capitalize all development and production service payments to third-party developers as software development costs and licenses. We typically enter into agreements with third-party developers after completing the technical design documentation for our products and therefore record the design costs leading up to a signed development contract as research and development expense. When we contract with third-party developers, we generally select those that have proven technology and experience in the genre of the software being developed, which often allows for the establishment of technological feasibility early in the development cycle. In instances where the documentation of the design and technology are not in place prior to an executed contract, we monitor the software development process and require our third-party developers to adhere to the same technological feasibility standards that apply to our internally developed products. Licenses consist of payments and guarantees made to holders of intellectual property rights for use of their trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property rights in the development of our products. Agreements with license holders generally provide for guaranteed minimum payments for use of their intellectual property. Certain licenses, especially those related to our sports products, extend over multi-year periods and encompass multiple game titles. In addition to guaranteed minimum payments, these licenses frequently contain provisions that could require us to pay royalties to the license holder based on pre-agreed unit sales thresholds. Amortization of capitalized software development costs and licenses commences when a product is released and is recorded on a title-by-title basis in cost of goods sold. For capitalized software development costs, amortization is calculated using (1) the proportion of current year revenues to the total revenues expected to be recorded over the life of the title or (2) the straight-line method over the remaining estimated useful life of the title, whichever is greater. For capitalized licenses, amortization is calculated as a ratio of (1) current period revenues to the total revenues expected to be recorded over the remaining life of the title or (2) the contractual royalty rate based on actual net product sales as defined in the licensing agreement, whichever is greater. We evaluate the future recoverability of capitalized software development costs and licenses on a quarterly basis. Recoverability is primarily assessed based on the actual title's performance. For products that are scheduled to be released in the future, recoverability is evaluated based on the expected performance of the specific products to which the cost or license relates. We utilize a number of criteria in evaluating expected product performance, including historical performance of comparable products developed with comparable technology; market performance of comparable titles; orders for the product prior to its release; general market conditions; and, past performance of the franchise. When we determine that capitalized cost of the title is unlikely to be recovered by product sales, an impairment of software development and license capitalized costs is charged to cost of goods sold in the period in which such determination is made. We have profit and unit sales based internal royalty programs that allow selected employees to each participate in the success of software titles that they assist in developing. Royalties earned under this program are recorded as a component of cost of goods sold in the period earned. Fixed Assets, net Office equipment, furniture and fixtures are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful life of five years. Computer equipment and software are generally depreciated using the straight-line method over three to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the term of the related lease or the useful life of the underlying asset, typically seven years. The cost of additions and betterments are capitalized, and repairs and maintenance costs are charged to operations, in the periods incurred. When depreciable assets are retired or sold, the cost and related allowances for depreciation are removed from the accounts and the gain or loss, if any, is recognized. The carrying amounts of these assets are recorded at historical cost. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill is the excess of purchase price paid over identified intangible and tangible net assets of acquired companies. Intangible assets consist of intellectual property, developed game technology, analytics technology, user base, trade names, and in-process research and development. Certain intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recognized as assets apart from goodwill. We use either the income, cost or market approach to aid in our conclusions of such fair values and asset lives. The income approach presumes that the value of an asset can be estimated by the net economic benefit to be received over the life of the asset, discounted to present value. The cost approach presumes that an investor would pay no more for an asset than its replacement or reproduction cost. The market approach estimates value based on what other participants in the market have paid for reasonably similar assets. Although each valuation approach is considered in valuing the assets acquired, the approach ultimately selected is based on the characteristics of the asset and the availability of information. We test our goodwill for impairment annually, at the beginning of August, or more frequently, if events and circumstances indicate the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying amount. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. We have determined that we operate in one reporting unit, which is our operating segment. In the evaluation of goodwill for impairment, we have the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the fair value of its reporting unit is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than 50%) less than the carrying value before performing the two-step impairment test. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, there is a potential impairment and step two must be performed. If the two-step impairment test is utilized to test goodwill for impairment, step one compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. In performing the quantitative assessment in step-one, we measure the fair value of the reporting unit using a combination of the income approach, which uses discounted cash flows, and the market approach, which uses market capitalization and comparable companies' data. Each step requires us to make judgments and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include long-term growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates based on our weighted average cost of capital, future economic and market conditions and the determination of appropriate market comparables. Our estimates for market growth are based on historical data, various internal estimates and observable external sources when available, and are based on assumptions that are consistent with the plans and estimates we use to manage the underlying business. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the goodwill of that reporting unit is potentially impaired and step two must be performed. Step two compares the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill to its implied fair value (i.e., fair value of reporting unit less the fair value of the unit's assets and liabilities, including identifiable intangible assets). If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount of goodwill, an impairment is recognized. Based on our annual impairment assessment process for goodwill, no impairments were recorded during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 , 2016 or 2015 . Long-lived Assets We review all long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. We compare the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds estimated expected undiscounted future cash flows, we record an impairment charge for the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and its fair value. The estimated fair value is generally measured by discounting expected future cash flows using our incremental borrowing rate or fair value, if available. As of March 31, 2017 , no indicators of impairment existed. Derivatives and Hedging We transact business in various foreign currencies and have significant sales and purchase transactions denominated in foreign currencies, subjecting us to foreign currency exchange rate risk. From time to time, we carry out transactions involving foreign currency exchange derivative financial instruments. The transactions are designed to hedge our exposure in currency exchange rate movements. We recognize derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and we measure those instruments at fair value. The changes in fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are recognized currently in earnings as interest and other, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. If a derivative meets the definition of a cash flow hedge and is so designated, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized, as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) while the ineffective portion of the changes in fair value is recorded currently in earnings as interest and other, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Amounts included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for cash flow hedges are reclassified into earnings in the same period that the hedged item is recognized in cost of goods sold or research and development expenses, as appropriate. Income Taxes We record a tax provision for the anticipated tax consequences of the reported results of operations. Our provision for income taxes is computed using the asset and liability method, under which deferred income taxes are recognized for differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities at currently enacted statutory tax rates for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment. Valuation allowances are established when we determine that it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will not be realized. We do not record income tax expense related to foreign withholding taxes or United States income taxes which may become payable upon the repatriation of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, as such earnings are expected to be reinvested indefinitely outside of the United States. We use estimates and assumptions to compute the provision for income taxes including allocations of certain transactions to different tax jurisdictions, amounts of permanent and temporary differences, the likelihood of deferred tax assets being recovered and the outcome of contingent tax risks. These estimates and assumptions are revised as new events occur, more experience is acquired and additional information is obtained. The effect of these revisions is recorded in income tax expense or benefit in the period in which they become known. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue on the sales of software products upon the transfer of title and risk of loss to our customers. Accordingly, we recognize revenue for software titles when there is (1) persuasive evidence that an arrangement with the customer exists, (2) the product is delivered, (3) the selling price is fixed or determinable and (4) collection of the customer receivable is deemed probable. Certain products are sold to customers with a street date ( i.e., the earliest date these products may be sold by retailers). For these products we recognize revenue on the later of the street date or the sale date. In addition, some of our software products are sold as full game digital downloads and digital add-on content for which the consumer takes possession of the digital content for a fee. Revenue from product downloads is generally recognized when the download is made available to the end user (assuming all other recognition criteria are met). In providing credit terms to our customers, our payment arrangements typically provide net 30 and 60 day terms. Advances received for licensing and exclusivity arrangements are reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as deferred revenue until we meet our performance obligations, at which point we recognize the revenue. For some of our software products, we enter into multiple element revenue arrangements in which we may provide a combination of full game software, online multi-player functionality, and related post-contract customer support ("PCS") which generally includes additional free unspecified add-on content updates, maintenance, and online support services. For these arrangements, we evaluate the significance of the PCS at the time each game is released based on the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification 985-605, "Software—Revenue Recognition" ("ASC 985-605") to determine if the PCS rises to the level of a separate deliverable. We monitor our initial assessments on an ongoing basis and consider any changes that may arise. In conjunction with our evaluation, we consider such factors as the significance of the development effort, the nature of online features, the extent of anticipated marketing focus on online features, the significance of the online features to the consumers' anticipated overall gameplay experience, and the significance and length of time of our post sale obligations to consumers. Determining whether PCS is significant for a particular game is subjective and requires management's judgment. When a software arrangement includes multiple elements, the arrangement consideration is allocated to each revenue element based on its relative fair value, based on the vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of fair value for each element. When VSOE of fair value does not exist for all of the elements in the arrangement, ASC 985-605 requires either the use of the residual method or the deferral of revenue until the earlier point at which VSOE of fair value exists for any undelivered element or until only one undelivered element remains. For arrangements that require the deferral of revenue, the related cost of goods sold is deferred and recognized as the related net revenue is recognized. Deferred cost of goods sold includes product costs and licenses. We do not have VSOE for our PCS obligations and in those arrangements where PCS obligations have been determined to be significant we recognize revenue from the sale of software products and the related cost of goods sold ratably over the period we expect to offer the PCS to the consumer ("estimated service period"), assuming all other recognition criteria are met. We also do not have VSOE for our online multi-player functionality; however it is generally delivered at the same time with the full game software. Determining the estimated service period is subjective and requires management's judgment, therefore, the estimated service period may change in the future. The estimated service periods of our current games, with online functionality and related PCS, are generally 12 months, with the exception of GTA, which is 41 months (see below). When our software products provide insignificant PCS at no additional cost to the consumer, we recognize revenue when the four primary revenue recognition criteria described above have been met for all other deliverables in the arrangement and, in those situations, we estimate and accrue the future costs of providing those services. Certain of our games provide consumers with the option to purchase virtual currency to use in the game to acquire virtual goods. We currently recognize revenue from the sale of virtual currency, using the game-based model, ratably over the estimated remaining life of the game. Because the service period for our online-enabled games with significant PCS is not an explicitly defined period, we must make an estimate of the service offering period for purposes of recognizing revenue. The estimated service period for current deferred title offerings is based on our estimate of the economic game life of the respective title. Determining the estimated service period (or economic game life) is inherently subjective and is subject to regular revision based on numerous factors and considerations. The factors that we primarily consider as part of our process of initially determining and subsequently reassessing estimated service periods for our titles include: • the period of time over which the substantial majority of a respective title’s estimated lifetime game sales and in-game virtual currency sales are expected to occur; • the period of time over which we plan to provide free unspecified add-on content updates, maintenance or other remaining material online support services associated with our online-enabled games; • the time over which we plan to dedicate internal resources to support the online functionality of a title; • known and expected online gameplay trends; • the results from prior analyses; • the nature of the game (e.g., annual title, genre, period of time between franchise title releases, etc.); and • the disclosed service periods for competitors’ games. To the extent we have recorded significant amounts of revenue deferred for specific titles, changes in the estimated service periods could have a material impact on the revenue recognized in a particular period. As part of our on-going assessment of estimated service periods during the three months ended March 31, 2017 , we changed Grand Theft Auto V's estimated service period from 36 to 41 months. The change in estimate resulted in a decrease in net revenues of $29,367 and income from operations of $27,070 to our fiscal 2017 financial results, with such revenues expected to be recognized in fiscal 2018. Revenue is recognized after deducting estimated price protection, reserves for returns and other allowances. In circumstances when we do not have a reliable basis to estimate price protection, returns and other allowances or are unable to determine that collection of a receivable is probable, we defer the revenue until we can reliably estimate any related returns and allowances and determine that collection of the receivable is probable. Price protection and Allowances for Returns We grant price protection and accept returns in connection with our distribution arrangements with customers. Following reductions in the price of our products, we grant price protection to permit customers to take credits against amounts they owe us with respect to merchandise unsold by them. Our customers must satisfy certain conditions to entitle them to receive price protection or return products, including compliance with applicable payment terms and confirmation of field inventory levels. Generally, our distribution arrangements with customers do not give them the right to return titles or to cancel firm orders. However, we occasionally accept returns from our customers for stock balancing and make accommodations to customers, which include credits and returns, when demand for specific titles falls below expectations. We make estimates of future price protection and product returns related to current period product revenue. We estimate the amount of future price protection and returns for published titles based upon, among other factors, historical experience and performance of the titles in similar genres, historical performance of the hardware platform, customer inventory levels, analysis of sell-through rates, sales force and retail customer feedback, industry pricing, market conditions and changes in demand and acceptance of our products by consumers. Significant management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with establishing price protection and the allowance for returns in any accounting period. We believe we can make reliable estimates of price protection and returns. However, actual results may differ from initial estimates as a result of changes in circumstances, market conditions and assumptions. Adjustments to estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. Consideration Given to Customers and Received from Vendors We have various marketing arrangements with retailers and distributors of our products that provide for cooperative advertising and market development funds, among others, which are generally based on single exchange transactions. Such amounts are accrued as a reduction to revenue at the later of: (1) the date at which the related revenue is recognized by us, or (2) the date at which the sales incentive is offered, except for cooperative advertising which is included in selling and marketing expense if there is a separate identifiable benefit and the benefit's fair value can be established. We receive various incentives from our manufacturers, including up-front cash payments as well as rebates based on a cumulative level of purchases. Such amounts are generally accounted for as a reduction in the price of the manufacturer's product and included as a reduction of inventory or cost of goods sold, based on an agreed upon per unit rebate. Advertising We expense advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 amounted to $173,947 , $94,743 and $132,990 , respectively, and are included in "Selling and marketing expense" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Earnings (loss) per Share ("EPS") Basic EPS is computed by dividing the net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the same period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing the net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding. Certain of our unvested restricted stock awards (including restricted stock units, time-based and market-based restricted stock awards) are considered participating securities since these securities have non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents during the contractual period of the award, and thus r |
