In case you haven’t heard, which is highly unlikely given our coverage, Grand Theft Auto 6 is not launching on May 26th, 2026. Rockstar Games needs more time for polish, Take-Two Interactive needs more marketing time – it’s a whole thing, and even other developers are getting in on the reactions.
Despite falling stock prices and concern among gamers, especially in the wake of Rockstar’s recent firings (reportedly unconnected to GTA 6’s delay), Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick is still on the hype machine. Speaking to Variety, he promised that the open world title would “deliver an unrivalled blockbuster entertainment experience.” Which is in line with his statement following the last delay.
“In this instance, of course, we’re seeking to release the most extraordinary title anyone’s ever seen in the history of entertainment. That’s a tall order. And in this instance, Rockstar Games believes a limited amount of additional time is required for polish to support that view.”
Of course, they have the full support of Take-Two Interactive, as Zelnick was kind enough to state following the company’s latest financial results. And while the recent firings at Rockstar could result in missed deadlines and morale issues (with an anonymous employee recently noting that those who remain “work in fear”), they’re not the reason for the delay.
Announcing it this far in advance, as opposed to, say, early next year, is also to allow a “significant amount of time” beforehand for “marketing activities” while providing “as much certainty as possible.”
Grand Theft Auto 6’s last major update was in May – the second trailer dropped and predictably exploded the internet (over 475 million views in one day). However, it’s been radio silence from Rockstar ever since.
