Take-Two Interactive's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, recently expressed strong confidence in the timely release of Grand Theft Auto VI, while also hinting at multiple other projects in development at Rockstar Games. In an interview with CNBC, Zelnick addressed concerns about potential delays for the highly anticipated title and provided insights into Rockstar's broader portfolio.
When asked about his confidence in GTA 6 meeting its scheduled release date of May 26, 2026, Zelnick stated, "My level of conviction is very, very high, obviously." This reassurance comes as fans and industry watchers eagerly await the next installment in the iconic open-world franchise, known for its expansive gameplay and cultural impact.
Zelnick emphasized Rockstar's commitment to quality over hype, noting, "We try not to pump expectations. Rockstar's whole stock and trade is to have these extraordinary expectations and still beat them. I know that's their goal. I know it's going to be an amazing game." He further underscored the importance of delivering a polished product, saying, "While I couldn't be more optimistic than I am, all of us have to do the work. We have to deliver something great to consumers and then the consumers are going to tell us just how great it is."
Earlier this year, Rockstar announced that GTA 6 would not meet its original Fall 2025 release window, pushing the launch to May 2026. The delay was attributed to the studio's pursuit of "perfection," a hallmark of Rockstar's development philosophy. The additional time is intended to allow for further refinement, ensuring the game meets the high standards set by its predecessors. Industry reports suggest the Fall 2025 date was never firmly set, aligning with Rockstar's history of adjusting release timelines to prioritize quality.
The delay of GTA 6 to 2026 has shifted expectations for the gaming industry, which had hoped for a 2025 boost from the title. However, 2025 will still see major releases, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Battlefield 6, marking the first time in five years that new entries in both franchises launch in the same year. These titles are expected to help sustain market momentum in the absence of GTA 6.
Beyond GTA 6, Zelnick confirmed that Rockstar is actively working on several other projects, though he refrained from providing specific details. "Rockstar does have a lot of other things going on, but [Grand Theft Auto VI] is of course the primary focus," he said. Industry speculation points to a possible Grand Theft Auto IV remaster and a Red Dead Redemption II port for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, alongside enhanced versions of Red Dead Redemption II for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Additionally, Rockstar is collaborating with Remedy Entertainment on remakes of Max Payne and Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne, which are expected to release later in 2025.
As Rockstar continues to refine GTA 6 and develop its other projects, Zelnick's comments reflect a cautious optimism, balancing high expectations with a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences. The gaming community awaits further details on both the flagship title and Rockstar's additional endeavors, which promise to expand the studio's storied legacy.
GTA 6 is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC version expected to follow at a later date, a strategy consistent with Rockstar's staggered release approach for previous titles. Analysts predict the game could sell 40 million copies in its first year, reflecting its potential to dominate the gaming market. The delay, however, has broader implications, as the industry had anticipated the title's 2025 release to bolster market performance amid a challenging period.
