GTA 6 Delayed to May 2026, Take-Two Stock Falls

The wait for one of the most anticipated video games in history, Grand Theft Auto VI, has been extended. Publisher Take-Two Interactive announced on Friday that the release date for the title, developed by Rockstar Games, has been postponed from its previously expected Fall 2025 window to May 26, 2026. The news led to a notable reaction in the market, with Take-Two’s shares falling by 8% in early trading Friday.

Release Date Postponed

Take-Two Interactive confirmed that the next installment in the iconic Grand Theft Auto series will now target a launch date of May 26, 2026. This moves the game out of the originally planned release timeframe in the fall of 2025.

Anticipation and Franchise Significance

Grand Theft Auto VI is widely regarded as perhaps the most eagerly awaited game in recent memory, with fans having anticipated a new entry for over a decade since the release of Grand Theft Auto V in 2013. The GTA franchise is a cornerstone of Take-Two’s portfolio, serving as a major driver of both revenue and player engagement.

Expectations surrounding the upcoming title have already been factored into financial forecasts by Wall Street analysts for months. The previous game, GTA V, has achieved remarkable success, selling over 200 million copies globally, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time.

Take-Two’s Perspective on the Delay

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed full support for Rockstar Games’ decision to take additional development time. He stated that this extra period is necessary for Rockstar to fully realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto VI, which he described as promising to be a “groundbreaking blockbuster entertainment experience.” This perspective aligns with a common trend in modern game development where delays occur as studios navigate increasing production complexities and pressure to deliver highly polished experiences at launch.

Financial Implications and Company Outlook

The postponement of GTA VI shifts the game’s expected revenue contribution from Take-Two’s fiscal year 2026 into fiscal year 2027. This change is likely to result in a lowering of net booking expectations specifically for fiscal year 2026. However, Take-Two also reiterated its overall expectations for sequential increases in net bookings for both fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2027, suggesting confidence in its pipeline beyond the immediate impact of the delay.

Analysts, like Wyatt Swanson from D.A. Davidson & Co, noted that this reiteration of strong booking forecasts for both years helps to alleviate some concerns about how other upcoming titles might perform without GTA VI launching in FY26. Investors are awaiting more detailed financial insights when Take-Two reports its fourth-quarter earnings on May 15.

What We Know About GTA VI So Far

Despite the extended wait, some official details about Grand Theft Auto VI were revealed with the release of its first trailer in December 2023. The trailer confirmed the game’s setting will be a return to Vice City, a fictional location inspired by Miami. It also introduced Lucia, who will be the first female protagonist in the main series, hinting at a narrative centered around a modern-day Bonnie-and-Clyde-style duo. The initial trailer generated immense excitement, accumulating over 100 million views within just 24 hours of its release.

Industry Impact and Fan Reaction

The delay of Grand Theft Auto VI also has implications for the wider gaming industry. The title was widely expected to serve as a major catalyst for growth across the sector, particularly at a time when factors like U.S. tariffs have impacted gaming console prices and contributed to a slowdown in consumer spending.

Reaction to the delay on social media platforms has been mixed, with some users expressing frustration over the longer waiting period, while others voiced support for Rockstar taking the time needed to ensure the game is as polished as possible at launch.