In response to the recent delay of *Grand Theft Auto VI* (GTA 6), Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has addressed concerned shareholders, reaffirming confidence in the company's long-term growth strategy. The highly anticipated title, originally slated for a fall 2025 release, will now launch worldwide on May 26, 2026—a move that shifts its financial impact from fiscal year 2026 to 2027.
The announcement triggered an immediate reaction in the markets, with Take-Two’s stock dropping 7.98% early in trading. However, the company remains optimistic and issued a formal statement reinforcing its outlook for both Fiscal 2026 and 2027, projecting sequential increases and record levels of Net Bookings (revenue) across both years.
Zelnick expressed full support for Rockstar Games’ decision to extend development time, emphasizing the importance of delivering a truly exceptional experience. “We support fully Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto VI, which promises to be a groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience that exceeds audience expectations,” he stated.
He further reassured investors, acknowledging the global anticipation surrounding the game while reiterating the company’s commitment to quality. “While we take the movement of our titles seriously… we remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence,” Zelnick continued. “As we continue to release our phenomenal pipeline, we expect to deliver a multi-year period of growth in our business and enhanced value for our shareholders.”
With GTA 6 no longer contributing to revenue projections in Fiscal 2026, attention turns to Take-Two’s broader portfolio. The company owns both Rockstar Games and 2K Games, which are expected to drive income through other major releases. Upcoming titles include *Borderlands 4* from Gearbox (slated for September), *Mafia: The Old Country*, and the annualized sports hit *NBA 2K26*. Further out, fans are eagerly awaiting the next *BioShock* installment and Ken Levine’s mysterious new project, *Judas*.
Despite this robust lineup, none of these titles are expected to match the massive commercial success projected for GTA 6, leaving a noticeable gap in short-term earnings potential. That said, many fans have expressed understanding over the delay—though some had hoped for a new visual reveal to help ease the wait.
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