Recent developments for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) have heightened anticipation, with Rockstar Games dropping a second trailer in late 2024, revealing a vibrant Vice City, dual protagonists, and hints of advanced AI-driven gameplay. Speculation about features like a sprawling open world and dynamic NPC interactions has dominated gaming circles. However, the most significant update came during a May 16, 2025, CNBC Squawk Box interview with Take-Two Interactive’s chairman and CEO, Strauss Zelnick, who clarified the game’s delayed release and made a surprising personal revelation.
GTA 6 Delay: A Short Wait for a Blockbuster
Zelnick confirmed that GTA 6s release has shifted from Fall 2025 to May 26, 2026, with the delay being “less than six months.” From his comments on CNBC, we now know the game was originally set to release at the very end of Fall 2025, between November 26 and December 21, 2025. He attributed the postponement to Rockstar Games’ pursuit of perfection, stating, “Rockstar is seeking perfection, which takes time and effort.” Zelnick expressed full confidence in the studio’s vision, describing GTA 6 as aiming to be “the best thing anyone’s ever seen in entertainment.” The additional time, he noted, will ensure the game delivers a “groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience” that builds on the legacy of Grand Theft Auto V.
Zelnick underscored the immense consumer anticipation for GTA VI, noting that the second trailer garnered 475 million views within 24 hours, setting an all-time record. He slyly added that this achievement surpassed their own previous record, set by the first GTA VI trailer, highlighting the franchise’s unmatched cultural impact.
A CEO Who Doesn’t Play Games
In a striking admission, Zelnick revealed he does not play video games, a surprising stance for the leader of Take-Two, which oversees iconic franchises like Red Dead Redemption, NBA 2K, and Borderlands. When asked if he had played GTA VI, he responded, “I don’t play video games, but I give opinions.” Zelnick elaborated that he openly shares his views but clarified that his role is not Consumer in Chief, emphasizing that his role is strategic oversight, not personal engagement with the product. He relies on Rockstar’s developers to execute the creative vision while offering high-level feedback.
Zelnick humorously recounted his limited gaming experience, mentioning he once played Pong but found it unengaging, reinforcing his detachment from gaming as a pastime. Despite this, his leadership has propelled Take-Two to success, proving that his non-gaming perspective poses no barrier to steering a gaming powerhouse.
Industry Challenges and Resilience
Zelnick acknowledged the gaming industry’s resilience, citing its pandemic-era growth when players turned to titles like Grand Theft Auto Online for entertainment. However, he recognized challenges, including escalating development costs and the complexity of crafting ambitious projects like GTA 6. The delay reflects these realities, as Rockstar invests time to meet sky-high expectations. Zelnick’s confidence in Take-Two’s pipeline suggests the company is well-equipped to navigate these hurdles.
As Take-Two prepares for GTA 6s early 2026 launch, Zelnick’s leadership will be pivotal. His admission of not playing games, paired with his strategic acumen, highlights a unique approach that leverages Rockstar’s expertise. The CNBC interview clarified the “less than six-month” delay and offered insight into Take-Two’s ambitions, reaffirming its commitment to quality. For fans, the promise of a polished GTA 6 signals a game poised to redefine interactive entertainment, backed by a company thriving under Zelnick’s unconventional yet effective guidance.
