Take-Two Interactive has pushed the release of “Grand Theft Auto VI” to May 26, 2026, extending the wait for the highly anticipated game and sending its shares tumbling 8% in early trading. The delay, which moves the title from a fall 2025 launch, is not unexpected given the complexity of modern game development.
Developed by Rockstar Games, “GTA VI” has been expected to be a massive hit, following the success of previous titles in the franchise. Fans have been waiting for over a decade, and analysts predict it will be an instant hit. The game’s creative team is taking extra time to perfect their vision, according to Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick.
The delay affects Take-Two’s fiscal 2026 release window, pushing “GTA VI” into 2027. However, the company remains confident in its net bookings expectations for both 2026 and 2027. Other titles lined up for the next fiscal year, such as “Borderlands 4,” are expected to contribute to record-level sales.
Take-Two’s shares drop on news of the delay, but analysts see it as a positive sign, alleviating concerns about sales cannibalization in 2026. The game’s impact on the wider gaming industry is also significant, with some speculating that “GTA VI” could have driven growth at a time when tariffs are driving up console prices and reducing consumer spending.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/02/tech/gta-6-release-delayed-may-2026