Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has stepped forward to address concerned shareholders in light of the recent delay of *Grand Theft Auto VI* (*GTA 6*), one of the most anticipated games in history. Rockstar Games, the developer behind the iconic franchise, announced that the game will now launch globally on May 26, 2026—pushing it out of Take-Two’s fiscal year 2026 and into fiscal year 2027.

Originally slated for a fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, this new timeline reflects Rockstar's commitment to delivering a high-quality, immersive experience. The news sent shockwaves through the market, with early trading showing a 7.98% drop in Take-Two’s stock value at the time of this report.

In an official statement published on Take-Two’s corporate website, the company emphasized its confidence in achieving record Net Bookings (revenue) for both fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Zelnick personally voiced full support for Rockstar’s decision, highlighting the long-term strategic vision behind the delay.

“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 that exceeds audience expectations,”

Zelnick continued by reaffirming the company’s broader financial outlook, despite the absence of *GTA 6* revenue in fiscal 2026:

“While we take the movement of our titles seriously and appreciate the vast and deep global anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI, 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.”

What’s Next for Take-Two Without GTA 6 in FY26?

With *GTA 6* no longer contributing to fiscal 2026 earnings, all eyes are now on Take-Two’s other studios and upcoming releases. The publisher owns both Rockstar Games and 2K Games, giving it access to a diverse portfolio of franchises and development talent.

Among the key upcoming titles are:

• Borderlands 4 – Developed by Gearbox Software, expected in September 2025.
• Mafia: The Old Country – A fresh entry in the crime drama series, set for release later this year.
• NBA 2K26 – The next installment in 2K Sports’ perennial basketball hit.
• Judas – The highly anticipated new IP from BioShock creator Ken Levine.
• Next BioShock Game – Currently in development under 2K Games.

Despite this strong lineup, none of these titles are expected to match the commercial impact of *GTA 6*, which analysts projected would generate billions in revenue upon launch. This gap leaves Take-Two facing a more modest earnings cycle than previously anticipated.

Fan Reaction to the Delay

While the delay disappointed many fans hoping for a fall 2025 launch, most understand Rockstar’s focus on quality over speed. Long development cycles and polish have become hallmarks of the studio’s approach, often resulting in critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles. However, fans had hoped for at least a new screenshot or gameplay reveal to ease the wait—a request that remains unfulfilled for now.

Will GTA 6 Launch on PC Simultaneously With Console?

The extended development window raises questions about platform availability. Originally scheduled for console-only release in late 2025, the move to May 2026 could open the door for a simultaneous PC launch. Fans are split on the likelihood of this happening:

As the May 2026 release date approaches, all eyes will remain on Rockstar and Take-Two to see how they navigate this critical transition period—both creatively and financially.