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By Storyboard18 | July 31, 2026, 12:17:01 IST Choose Storyboard18 on Follow Share Sony raises profit forecast to ¥1.72 trillion as music business shines, GTA VI expected to drive PS5 sales ADVERTISEMENT Sony Group has raised its full-year operating profit forecast to ¥1.72 trillion ($11.5 billion), buoyed by strong growth in its music division and optimism surrounding the launch of Rockstar Games' highly anticipated title Grand Theft Auto VI, which is expected to support PlayStation 5 sales. The Japanese conglomerate reported better-than-expected performance from its music business, which has benefited from growing streaming revenues, publishing income and continued demand for its extensive music catalogue. The division has emerged as one of Sony's key earnings drivers in recent years, helping reduce the company's dependence on hardware sales. Sony 's upgraded outlook highlights the increasing importance of entertainment assets across its business portfolio. Alongside gaming, the company owns one of the world's largest music publishing operations and a significant recorded music business that includes global artists and licensing deals with streaming platforms. Strong royalty flows from these operations have helped offset weakness in more cyclical segments. The company is also pinning hopes on the gaming sector, where the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI is widely expected to become one of the industry's biggest launches. Analysts have long argued that blockbuster titles can drive demand for consoles, increase engagement and boost software spending, particularly among users who may have delayed upgrading to newer hardware. Sony expects the release of GTA VI to provide a fresh catalyst for the PlayStation ecosystem. The game, developed by Rockstar Games, is expected to be among the highest-selling entertainment products ever released, with industry estimates suggesting it could generate billions of dollars in sales during its launch period. The optimism comes as Sony continues to compete with Microsoft and Nintendo in the global gaming market. While PlayStation 5 sales have remained resilient, major software releases are seen as critical for sustaining momentum and attracting new users to the platform. Beyond gaming and music, Sony has increasingly focused on building a diversified entertainment empire spanning films, anime, content licensing, sensors and consumer electronics. The latest forecast upgrade underscores the success of that strategy, with steady growth in recurring entertainment revenues helping cushion fluctuations in hardware demand. Looking ahead, investors will be watching whether GTA VI lives up to expectations and whether Sony's music business can maintain its current growth trajectory. Together, the two divisions are expected to play a central role in determining the company's financial performance over the coming year. More from Storyboard18 How it Works Fake dating apps are being used to target Android users: How the new cyber scam works Trending News ₹1.2 crore in London or ₹50 lakh In Delhi? 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