Take-Two Interactive has officially delayed the release of “Grand Theft Auto VI” to May 26, 2026, pushing back what is widely considered the most anticipated video game in history. The title, developed by Rockstar Games, was originally scheduled for a Fall 2025 launch.
Shares of Take-Two dropped 8% in early trading following the announcement. The delay shifts the game’s release outside of Take-Two’s fiscal 2026, potentially impacting revenue forecasts for the year.
Rockstar’s Vision and Market Expectations
CEO Strauss Zelnick supported the delay, stating,
“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.”
Fans have been waiting over a decade for the sequel. Its predecessor, GTA V, released in 2013, has sold more than 200 million copies, making it one of the best-selling games of all time.
Rockstar’s 2023 trailer confirmed a return to Vice City and introduced Lucia, the franchise’s first female lead. The teaser surpassed 100 million views in 24 hours.
What’s Next for Take-Two
Despite the delay, analysts remain optimistic. D.A. Davidson’s Wyatt Swanson noted that Take-Two’s reaffirmed guidance for record bookings in fiscal 2026 and 2027 “alleviates some of the potential concerns around sales cannibalization.”
Take-Two is also planning releases of Borderlands 4 and Mafia: The Old Country in the next fiscal year.
More details are expected during Take-Two’s Q4 earnings call on May 15.
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