Take-Two Interactive, the parent company overseeing Rockstar Games, has provided insight into the recent delay of Grand Theft Auto 6. The publisher shared that the decision was made to allow Rockstar to fully realize their creative vision “with no limitations” and also offered words of reassurance regarding the game’s new release date. As the highly anticipated successor to 2013’s record-breaking GTA 5 and the next chapter in Rockstar’s renowned open-world crime saga, GTA 6 has remained one of the most talked-about games for years.
Since its official confirmation in 2022, the upcoming Grand Theft Auto title has consistently been a focal point for enthusiasts, fueling immense hype and speculation. The sheer level of anticipation was evident in the announcement trailer’s record-breaking launch and the countless fan theories that have since emerged. Although initially aiming for a 2025 release window, Rockstar Games recently pushed the launch back to May 26, 2026, citing the need to meet their desired quality standards for the game. Now, the head of the American publisher has commented on the decision to move the date and elaborated on the reasons behind it.
Seeking Perfection: The Official Reason
In a discussion with IGN, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick explained that as development approaches the completion of “a title that’s seeking perfection,” it often becomes apparent that “continued polish” is needed. Reflecting on the case of GTA 6, which had immediate market implications due to its delay, Zelnick stated that the choice to postpone the release was made because those in leadership believed that “a small amount of incremental time” would enable Rockstar Games to achieve its complete vision for the game without any compromises. He affirmed, “And I supported, of course, that approach.”
Despite the pain that such delays inherently cause him personally, Zelnick expressed strong confidence in Take-Two’s overall slate for the FY 2025-26 period, stating that he felt “really good” about what’s to come. He reiterated that while delays are difficult, supporting the developers “in their search for perfection” remains “the most important thing.”
Confidence in the New Release Date
Beyond explaining the rationale behind the delay, Zelnick also addressed the newly announced May 26, 2026 release date in a reassuring manner. Drawing upon Rockstar’s historical performance, the Take-Two chief highlighted that when the studio commits to specific release dates, they have “been very good about reaching it.” He noted that their previous major release, Red Dead Redemption 2, also experienced delays but ultimately launched successfully once a firm date was set.
While the GTA 6 delay does leave a noticeable gap in Take-Two’s anticipated releases for late 2025, the company’s upcoming months still feature other significant launches. Titles like Mafia: The Old Country, expected in August 2025, and Borderlands 4, slated for September 2025, stand out as two of the next major games coming from the 2K parent company this year.
