Take Two and EA have both signed a confidentiality agreement that will see any possible takeover remain a secret affair until the deed is done.

EA has extended its bid for the Rockstar parent five times since February – but there will be no more public announcements in future.

The Redwood publisher this month allowed its bid to expire for the first time; suggesting a new approach may be on the cards.

"EA does not intend to make any further announcements regarding the status of any discussions or negotiations with Take Two unless and until discussions between EA and Take Two have been terminated or such parties have entered into a transaction," EA said in a regulatory filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.