Take-Two Interactive Chairman and CEO Strauss Zelnick has addressed investor concerns following Rockstar Games’ official announcement of the highly anticipated *Grand Theft Auto VI* (GTA 6) delay. The game, originally scheduled for a fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, will now launch globally on May 26, 2026. This shift moves the title from Take-Two’s fiscal year 2026 into fiscal year 2027, sparking immediate concern among shareholders.
The news sent shockwaves through the financial market, with early trading showing a 7.98% drop in Take-Two’s stock price at the time of this article's publication. In response, Take-Two issued a statement reaffirming its confidence in achieving sequential growth in Net Bookings—essentially revenue—for both fiscal years 2026 and 2027, underscoring its long-term financial outlook despite the setback.
Zelnick himself voiced full support for Rockstar’s creative direction, emphasizing that the delay was made to ensure the game meets—and exceeds—the high expectations set by fans and critics alike. “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,” he stated.
He further assured investors that while shifting major titles is never taken lightly, the company remains committed to delivering excellence across its portfolio. “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?
With GTA 6 no longer contributing to fiscal 2026 earnings, all eyes are now on Take-Two’s broader publishing slate. The company owns Rockstar Games, 2K Games, and 2K Sports—each of which contributes to its annual lineup.
Among the upcoming releases, Gearbox Software’s *Borderlands 4* is slated for a September 2025 launch, followed by *Mafia: The Old Country*, also expected later this year. On the sports front, 2K Sports is preparing to release *NBA 2K26*. Looking even further ahead, Ken Levine’s next project, *Judas*, and the next *BioShock* installment remain in development under 2K Games.
However, none of these titles can truly replicate the financial magnitude of a new *Grand Theft Auto* release. While they provide solid commercial opportunities, the absence of GTA 6 in fiscal 2026 leaves a significant gap in projected revenue. That said, many *GTA* fans have expressed understanding over the delay, though disappointment lingers due to the lack of fresh gameplay footage or visuals to accompany the new release date.
