Back in February, I sat down with Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick to discuss his confidence in Grand Theft Auto 6 hitting its initial release window in fall 2025. His response was optimistic: "I feel really good about it." Fast forward three months, and the inevitable happened—GTA 6 was pushed back to May 26, 2026.
So, what transpired during those months to warrant the delay? I posed this question to Zelnick in a follow-up interview timed with Take-Two’s latest earnings report. His explanation was straightforward: as development neared completion, the team realized additional polish was essential to achieving their creative goals.
"As we get closer to completion of a title that’s aiming for perfection, the necessity—or lack thereof—for further polish becomes evident," Zelnick explained. "In this instance, a modest extension of time seemed worthwhile to ensure Rockstar Games delivered on its vision without compromise. Naturally, I backed this decision."
While the delay impacts Take-Two’s short-term financial projections by pushing the game beyond the current fiscal year, Zelnick remains bullish on the pipeline ahead. He highlighted upcoming titles like Gearbox’s Borderlands 4, Hangar 13’s Mafia: The Old Country, and new entries in the NBA 2K and WWE 2K series as key drivers for future growth.
"Fiscal 2026 is shaping up well," Zelnick noted. "Of course, delays are never ideal, but supporting the team in their pursuit of excellence is paramount."
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With GTA 6 now firmly scheduled for May 26, 2026, the obvious follow-up question mirrors my earlier inquiry: how confident is Zelnick that Rockstar will meet this deadline? This time, his tone conveyed even greater assurance:
"Historically, when we announce a specific release date, we’ve consistently managed to honor it. While nothing is ever guaranteed, GTA 6 now has a concrete date, making another delay highly unlikely."
Meanwhile, the release of GTA 6 Trailer 2 and accompanying details has fueled speculation among fans. Some believe Liberty City could feature either at launch or as post-launch DLC.
In the meantime, stay tuned for more insights on GTA 6, including comprehensive details, a gallery of 70 exclusive screenshots, and expert analysis on its performance on the PS5 Pro.
