Take-Two delays ‘GTA VI’ to May 2026, extending wait for gaming’s most anticipated title

By Admin

03 May, 2025

In a move that has stirred both disappointment and cautious optimism, Take-Two Interactive has officially delayed the release of Grand Theft Auto VI to May 26, 2026. Originally expected to launch in fall 2025, this announcement has sent ripples through the gaming world, affecting both fans and investors alike. The delay, while frustrating for many, is also seen as a necessary step to ensure the game meets sky-high expectations.

Investor Jitters and Market Response

Take-Two’s decision immediately rattled Wall Street, with company shares plunging 8% in early trading following the news. As the publisher of the GTA series, which is developed by Rockstar Games, Take-Two heavily relies on the franchise for a significant portion of its revenue and player engagement. Wall Street had already factored GTA VI’s release into forecasts for fiscal 2026, making the shift a disruptive event for short-term projections.

Despite this, Take-Two reaffirmed its strong forecast for both fiscal 2026 and 2027, indicating that net bookings are still expected to increase sequentially over the next two years. “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,” said Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick.

A Decade in the Making

Fans have been waiting over a decade for the next chapter in the GTA saga. GTA V, released in 2013, went on to sell more than 200 million copies, making it one of the most successful games of all time. With such a legendary predecessor, expectations for GTA VI are understandably monumental. Rockstar’s first teaser trailer for the game, unveiled in December 2023, confirmed the game’s return to the iconic Vice City and introduced Lucia, the series' first female lead, hinting at a modern-day Bonnie-and-Clyde narrative. The trailer shattered records, gaining over 100 million views within 24 hours.

The Changing Landscape of Game Development

The delay also underscores broader industry challenges. Today’s AAA game development cycle is significantly longer and costlier than ever before. With rising production costs and increasing demand for polished, immersive experiences at launch, delays have become common. Studios are under immense pressure to deliver games that are not only massive in scale but also free of the technical issues that have plagued several recent high-profile releases.

More Titles on the Horizon

Though GTA VI won’t be part of fiscal 2026’s revenue, Take-Two is not without major upcoming releases. The company has announced other high-profile titles, including Borderlands 4 and Mafia: The Old Country, which are expected to perform well and maintain momentum. According to D.A. Davidson & Co analyst Wyatt Swanson, “Given that Take-Two reiterated expectations of record level net bookings in both FY’26 and FY’27, we think this alleviates some of the potential concerns around sales cannibalization in FY’26.”

Community Response and Industry Impact

The online response has been mixed. While some gamers expressed frustration about the extended wait, others welcomed the delay, viewing it as a chance for Rockstar to deliver a truly polished product. The move also carries broader implications for the gaming industry. GTA VI was expected to be a major catalyst for growth at a time when consumer spending has been hit by inflation and tariffs on gaming hardware.

With Take-Two set to release its fourth-quarter earnings on May 15, more insights into the company’s roadmap and investor sentiment are expected. Until then, fans will have to wait just a little longer for what promises to be one of the most defining entertainment experiences of the decade.