Take-Two CEO on GTA 6 Delay: 'Painful but Necessary for Creative Vision'

Back in February, I had the chance to speak with Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, about the anticipated release window for *Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6)*, then set for fall 2025. At the time, Zelnick expressed strong confidence, stating he felt "really good about it." Fast forward three months, and to the surprise of perhaps no one, GTA 6's release was pushed back to May 26, 2026.

Curious about what led to this shift, I recently sat down with Zelnick again, coinciding with the release of Take-Two's latest financial results. He explained that as the game approached its launch, the need for additional polish became evident. "As we get closer to completion of a title that's seeking perfection, the needs or lack thereof, for continued polish become clear," Zelnick remarked. He added that with a small extension, the team at Rockstar Games could ensure the game met its creative vision without compromise, a decision he fully supported.

The delay pushes GTA 6's release beyond Take-Two's current fiscal year, impacting short-term financial projections. Despite this, Zelnick remains optimistic about the company's future lineup, which includes titles like Gearbox’s *Borderlands 4*, Hangar 13’s *Mafia: The Old Country*, and new installments in the *NBA 2K* and *WWE 2K* franchises. "I feel really good about how Fiscal 26 looks sitting here today," he said, while admitting that delays are always disappointing. However, he emphasized the importance of supporting the team's pursuit of perfection.

GTA 6 Jason Duval Screenshots

View 6 Images

When I revisited the question of confidence in hitting the new May 26, 2026, release date, Zelnick's response was even more assertive. "I think historically when we set a specific date, generally speaking, we've been very good about reaching it," he stated. This suggests a strong commitment to the announced date, though he wisely left room for the unpredictable nature of game development.

The release of *GTA 6* Trailer 2 and accompanying information from Rockstar has fueled widespread speculation about what fans can expect from what promises to be the biggest video game of all time. Some enthusiasts speculate that Liberty City might feature in *GTA 6*, either at launch or as post-launch DLC.

As we eagerly await more details, there's a wealth of information already available on *GTA 6*, including all the latest discoveries, a collection of 70 new screenshots, and expert analysis on how the game will perform on the PS5 Pro.