In a recent development that has reassured fans eagerly awaiting Rockstar Games’ next blockbuster, Grand Theft Auto VI is now set for release on May 26, 2026, following a delay from its original fall 2025 target. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar’s parent company Take-Two Interactive, has expressed strong confidence that this new date will hold, emphasizing that the delay was a strategic move to ensure the game meets Rockstar’s lofty standards for quality and innovation.
Speaking to IGN in an interview tied to Take-Two’s recent financial results, Zelnick elaborated on the reasoning behind the delay. “As we get closer to completion of a title that’s seeking perfection, the needs or lack thereof, for continued polish become clear,” he said. “In this case, there was an opportunity with a small amount of incremental time, we thought, to make sure Rockstar Games achieves its creative vision with no limitations. And I supported, of course, that approach.” This decision, while pushing GTA 6 into Take-Two’s 2027 fiscal year and impacting short-term financial projections, reflects Rockstar’s commitment to delivering a polished, groundbreaking experience. Zelnick acknowledged the challenges of delays, stating, “Delays pain me — how could they not? — the most important thing to do is to support your teams in their search for perfection.”
Development Challenges and Reforms
The delay, announced on May 2, 2025, marked a shift from the previously anticipated Fall 2025 release, a move driven by Rockstar’s determination to avoid the crunch-heavy development cycles that marred the production of Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018. Industry insider Jason Schreier noted that every Rockstar developer he spoke to considered the original 2025 window unrealistic, citing “too much work, not enough time, and a real desire to avoid crunch.” This reflects reforms within Rockstar, including converting contractors to full-time employees and implementing flexitime policies to prioritize employee well-being alongside quality.
However, a recent report has raised concerns about the possibility of another delay, suggesting that “there’s no guarantee that May 2026 is a sure thing.” The report points to the immense complexity of Grand Theft Auto VI’s development and Rockstar’s perfectionist approach as potential risk factors. Despite this, Zelnick’s comments to IGN offer reassurance, as he emphasized Take-Two’s track record of meeting specific release dates. “I think historically when we set a specific date, generally speaking, we’ve been very good about reaching it,” he stated, signaling confidence that further delays are unlikely, though he avoided making absolute guarantees.
The stakes for Grand Theft Auto VI are monumental. Its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, has sold over 200 million copies and generated more than $8 billion in revenue since its 2013 release, setting an extraordinarily high bar. Industry forecasts suggest Grand Theft Auto VI could generate $3 billion in revenue and sell 40 million units in its first year alone. Speculation about the game’s content has reached a fever pitch, with fans dissecting the first trailer for clues and theorizing about potential locations like Liberty City as either a launch feature or post-launch DLC. The release of a second trailer, still eagerly awaited, is expected to fuel further excitement and speculation about what many anticipate will be the biggest video game launch of all time.
Despite the delay, the gaming community remains optimistic, buoyed by Rockstar’s track record of delivering genre-defining experiences. The studio’s apology accompanying the delay announcement emphasized their gratitude for fans’ patience: “The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team. We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game.”
As May 26, 2026, draws closer, Grand Theft Auto VI is poised to launch on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, promising a next-generation experience that aims to redefine open-world gaming. For now, Zelnick’s optimism and Rockstar’s pursuit of perfection suggest that the wait will be well worth it. For now, Zelnick’s confidence and Rockstar’s commitment to perfection offer hope that Grand Theft Auto VI will be worth the wait.
Watch the latest trailer for GTA 6 below:
