GTA 6 Delay Explained by Take-Two CEO

Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, has addressed why GTA 6 won’t launch as originally planned. Speaking about Rockstar Games’ decision to push the release to May 26, 2026, Zelnick said the extra time was granted so the team could deliver the game exactly as envisioned—without creative compromises.

As the highly anticipated follow-up to 2013’s GTA 5, the sixth entry has been generating buzz since its official announcement in 2022. The game’s reveal trailer shattered viewership records and sparked ongoing speculation among fans eager for updates. Although a 2025 release window was initially mentioned, Rockstar later confirmed that more time was needed to refine the project.

In an interview with IGN, Zelnick said that nearing the finish line on a game that aims for excellence often reveals areas that need additional work. Granting Rockstar more development time was a strategic move to allow the studio to meet its high standards. Zelnick emphasized that he fully supported this approach, noting that it’s essential to prioritize quality—even if that means delaying a flagship title.

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Although the decision impacts Take-Two’s 2025 schedule, Zelnick expressed confidence in the overall lineup. He admitted that pushing back a major release is always tough, but maintained that it’s more important to give developers the time they need to perfect their work.

He also reassured fans about the revised release date, citing Rockstar’s past record of meeting firm deadlines once they’re officially set. Red Dead Redemption 2, which also saw delays, ultimately launched as planned after its final release date was confirmed.

While GTA 6’s delay creates a noticeable gap in Take-Two’s release calendar, the company still has several major games on the horizon. Titles like Mafia: The Old Country and Borderlands 4, set to launch in August and September 2025 respectively, are expected to carry momentum forward.

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---Silviya.Y