GTA 6 Delayed to 2026, and Take-Two’s CEO Promises It Will Exceed Audience Expectations

Rockstar’s long-awaited Grand Theft Auto 6 won’t be dropping in 2025 after all, it's now officially set for release on May 26, 2026. As expected, fans are bummed, but if there’s one person who’s not sweating the delay, it’s Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive.In fact, Zelnick is backing the decision with full-throated support, saying:“We support fully Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto 6, which promises to be a groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience that exceeds audience expectations.”Rockstar has built its legacy on pushing the boundaries of what open-world games can be. And with GTA 6 being the studio’s first mainline entry in over a decade, expectations are astronomical.Rockstar addressed the delay directly in their own announcement, which reads:“With every game we have released, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto 6 is no exception. We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”Zelnick’s statement also made it clear that Take-Two isn’t treating this lightly, explaining: “We take the movement of our titles seriously and appreciate the vast and deep global anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6.“We remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence. As we continue to release our phenomenal pipeline, we expect to deliver a multi-year period of growth in our business and enhanced value for our shareholders.”Yes, this delay may sting now, but it’s part of a bigger plan. Zelnick has previously said marketing won’t ramp back up until the release is closer, so fans hoping for a new gameplay deep dive may want to keep their expectations in check for a while.For now, the wait continues, but if Rockstar sticks the landing, it sounds like they’re aiming to make it worth the wait.

May 6, 2025 - 00:41

GTA 6 Delayed to 2026, and Take-Two’s CEO Promises It Will Exceed Audience Expectations

Rockstar’s long-awaited Grand Theft Auto 6 won’t be dropping in 2025 after all, it's now officially set for release on May 26, 2026. As expected, fans are bummed, but if there’s one person who’s not sweating the delay, it’s Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive.

In fact, Zelnick is backing the decision with full-throated support, saying:

“We support fully Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto 6, which promises to be a groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience that exceeds audience expectations.”

Rockstar has built its legacy on pushing the boundaries of what open-world games can be. And with GTA 6 being the studio’s first mainline entry in over a decade, expectations are astronomical.

Rockstar addressed the delay directly in their own announcement, which reads:

“With every game we have released, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto 6 is no exception. We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”

Zelnick’s statement also made it clear that Take-Two isn’t treating this lightly, explaining:

“We take the movement of our titles seriously and appreciate the vast and deep global anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence. As we continue to release our phenomenal pipeline, we expect to deliver a multi-year period of growth in our business and enhanced value for our shareholders.”

Yes, this delay may sting now, but it’s part of a bigger plan. Zelnick has previously said marketing won’t ramp back up until the release is closer, so fans hoping for a new gameplay deep dive may want to keep their expectations in check for a while.

For now, the wait continues, but if Rockstar sticks the landing, it sounds like they’re aiming to make it worth the wait.