In response to the recent delay of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), Take-Two Interactive's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, has taken steps to calm the nerves of concerned shareholders. The highly anticipated game, which was originally slated for a fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, has been pushed back to May 26, 2026. This shift moves the expected launch from Take-Two's fiscal year 2026 to 2027.
Following the announcement, Take-Two's stock experienced a significant drop, falling by 7.98% in early trading. Despite this, the company issued a statement on its corporate website, reaffirming its confidence in achieving record levels of Net Bookings (revenue) in both fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
Zelnick personally addressed the delay, expressing full support for Rockstar Games' decision to take additional time to perfect GTA 6. "We support fully Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto VI, which promises to be a groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience that exceeds audience expectations," he stated. He emphasized the company's dedication to excellence and its anticipation of a multi-year growth period, promising enhanced value for shareholders.
With the significant revenue expected from GTA 6 now postponed, attention turns to Take-Two's other projects. The company, which also owns 2K Games and 2K Sports, has several titles lined up. Gearbox's Borderlands 4 is set for release in September, Mafia: The Old Country is due out later this year, and another lucrative entry in the NBA series, NBA 2K26, is expected from 2K Sports. Looking further ahead, the next BioShock and Ken Levine's Judas are in development. However, none of these titles are expected to match the financial impact of GTA 6 in the near term.
Despite the disappointment among fans, the delay of GTA 6 has not come as a complete surprise. Many had hoped for at least a new screenshot to ease the disappointment, but none was forthcoming.
