Grand Theft Auto VI delayed until 2026, extending wait for highly anticipated game
Take-Two Interactive made a major announcement on Friday that has left gamers eagerly anticipating the release of Grand Theft Auto VI. The highly anticipated title, developed by Rockstar Games, has been pushed back to May 26, 2026, much to the disappointment of fans. This news caused a nine per cent drop in Take-Two’s shares in pre-market trading.
Originally scheduled for a fall 2025 launch, the delay of Grand Theft Auto VI has left many wondering about the reasons behind the decision. The game is a cornerstone of Take-Two’s portfolio, generating significant revenue and player engagement. Analysts have high expectations for the upcoming title, with predictions of billions of dollars in sales each year. The previous installment, Grand Theft Auto V, released in 2013, has sold over 200 million copies, solidifying its place as one of the best-selling video games of all time.
Take-Two CEO, Strauss Zelnick, expressed support for Rockstar Games’ decision to take more time to perfect Grand Theft Auto VI, ensuring that it will be a groundbreaking entertainment experience. Delays in game development have become common as studios strive to deliver polished experiences at launch amidst rising production costs.
The postponement of Grand Theft Auto VI means that it will now be released in fiscal 2027, impacting Take-Two’s booking expectations for the next fiscal year. However, the company has other titles lined up for the coming year, including Borderlands 4 and Mafia: The Old Country, which are expected to be significant launches in their own right.
Despite this setback, Take-Two remains optimistic about record-level net bookings in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The company’s reassurance has alleviated concerns about potential sales cannibalization in fiscal year 2026, according to analyst Wyatt Swanson from D.A. Davidson & Co.
Rockstar Games teased fans with the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI in December 2023, revealing the game’s return to Vice City, a fictionalized version of Miami. The trailer also introduced Lucia, the franchise’s first female lead, and hinted at a modern-day Bonnie-and-Clyde storyline. The teaser garnered over 100 million views within 24 hours, setting the stage for what is expected to be a major driver of growth in the video game industry.
The delay of Grand Theft Auto VI comes at a time of economic uncertainty in the gaming industry, with U.S. tariffs leading to increased gaming console prices and a decline in consumer spending. This has affected sales prospects for many game publishers, adding another layer of complexity to the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI.
