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Take-Two announces Grand Theft Auto VI delay
Take-Two Interactive confirmed on Friday that the release of the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI has been postponed to May 26, 2026. This announcement has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, leading to an 8% drop in the company’s share price during early trading. Originally, the game was slated for a fall 2025 launch, a date that many fans and analysts had eagerly anticipated.
As the flagship title developed by Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto VI represents a cornerstone of Take-Two’s revenue model. The franchise’s immense popularity and robust sales history make it a pivotal part of the company’s portfolio, significantly affecting overall player engagement metrics. With expectations for this new installment being exceptionally high, Wall Street had already factored in its anticipated success into their forecasts. The delay has created a ripple effect, impacting both investor sentiment and future financial projections.
Why the delay matters to fans and investors
Fans of the Grand Theft Auto series have been waiting for over a decade for this new installment. The previous title, Grand Theft Auto V, released in 2013, has achieved unparalleled success, selling over 200 million copies worldwide. This long gap between releases has heightened anticipation and expectations for the new game, which analysts predict will be an instant hit upon launch.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed full support for Rockstar Games’ decision to take additional time in developing Grand Theft Auto VI. He emphasized the importance of realizing the creative vision behind the game, suggesting that this title aims to be a groundbreaking addition to the franchise. Such delays have become increasingly common in the gaming industry, as developers strive to meet the rising production costs and player demand for polished, high-quality gaming experiences.
Economic implications of the delay
The postponement of Grand Theft Auto VI means it will now fall outside of Take-Two’s fiscal 2026 release window, pushing expectations for net bookings lower for the upcoming fiscal year. However, the company remains optimistic, reiterating its targets for sequential increases in net bookings for both fiscal 2026 and 2027. Investors are keenly awaiting more detailed updates, which are expected when Take-Two reports its fourth-quarter earnings on May 15.
Despite the delay of Grand Theft Auto VI, Take-Two has a solid lineup of titles scheduled for the next fiscal year, including Borderlands 4 and Mafia: The Old Country. These games are also anticipated to perform well, potentially alleviating some concerns about sales cannibalization during the fiscal year 2026.
Community response and industry impact
The gaming community has reacted with mixed emotions to the delay of Grand Theft Auto VI. While some fans express frustration over the extended wait, others appreciate the developers’ commitment to delivering a polished final product. The initial trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, which was unveiled in December 2023, has already created buzz, showcasing a return to the beloved Vice City and introducing a new female lead character, Lucia. The trailer attracted over 100 million views within just 24 hours, highlighting the immense interest in the game.
This delay also poses potential ramifications for the broader gaming industry, as Grand Theft Auto VI was anticipated to be a significant growth driver. With rising U.S. tariffs leading to increased gaming console prices and a downturn in consumer spending, the timing of this release becomes crucial for Take-Two and the gaming sector at large. The success of Grand Theft Auto VI could have far-reaching effects on market dynamics and player engagement across the board.