Back in February, I had the chance to speak with Strauss Zelnick, the head of Take-Two Interactive, about the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6). At the time, he expressed strong confidence in hitting the fall 2025 release window, stating he felt "really good about it." However, just three months later, it came as no surprise to many when GTA 6 was officially delayed to May 26, 2026.
In a follow-up interview coinciding with Take-Two’s recent financial results, I asked Zelnick what had changed within those few months. He explained that as the development of GTA 6 progressed closer to 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 stated. He emphasized the opportunity to ensure Rockstar Games could fully achieve their creative vision without limitations, which he fully supported.
While the delay pushes GTA 6 outside Take-Two’s current financial year, impacting short-term figures, Zelnick remains optimistic about the company's upcoming lineup. This includes titles like Gearbox’s Borderlands 4, Hangar 13’s Mafia: The Old Country, and new entries in the NBA 2K and WWE 2K series. "I feel really good about how Fiscal 26 looks sitting here today," he remarked, acknowledging the pain of delays but stressing the importance of supporting the teams in their pursuit of perfection.
GTA 6 Jason Duval Screenshots
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With the new release date set for May 26, 2026, I revisited my question to Zelnick on his confidence in meeting this deadline. His response was even more assured: "I think historically when we set a specific date, generally speaking, we've been very good about reaching it." This suggests a strong belief that GTA 6 will not face further delays, though in the unpredictable world of game development, nothing is ever guaranteed.
The release of the second GTA 6 trailer and additional information from Rockstar has fueled speculation about the game’s content, with some fans theorizing the inclusion of Liberty City, either at launch or as post-launch DLC. As anticipation builds, we continue to delve deeper into GTA 6, offering comprehensive details, a collection of 70 new screenshots, and expert analysis on how the game will perform on the PS5 Pro.
