In a recent update, Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Take-Two Interactive, shed light on the strategic decision to push back the much-anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 to May 2026. Zelnick emphasized that this delay is designed to grant Rockstar Games the invaluable time it needs to fulfill its creative objectives without any added pressure.
Initially, the game was slated for a fall 2025 debut, a timeline that Take-Two held onto as late as February, despite increasing speculation about a potential postponement. However, those suspicions were confirmed when Rockstar announced the new date of May 26, 2026, explaining that they require “this extra time to meet the level of quality you expect and deserve.”
In a conversation with IGN following the announcement, Zelnick elaborated on the rationale for this delay. “As we near the finish line of a title striving for excellence, the need for further refinement becomes clear,” he remarked. “In this case, we found that a bit of extra time could significantly enhance Rockstar’s chance to realize its creative vision without compromise. Naturally, I fully supported this approach.”
Zelnick was candid about the emotional strain that delays can bring, stating, “Delays are tough for me — how could they not be? However, it’s imperative to back your teams in their pursuit of perfection.” Despite this increased timeline, he appeared confident about the new release date, suggesting that another delay is unlikely. “Historically, when we establish a specific release date,” he pointed out, “we’ve typically done well in adhering to it.”
While the shift regarding GTA 6 may not be the ideal scenario for Take-Two, the company is energized by a strong slate of upcoming releases as the new fiscal year looms. Fans can look forward to titles such as Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, along with new entries in the NBA 2K and WWE 2K franchises. Eager players are also treated to a new trailer, packed with exciting insights and details.
