GTA 6 To Be Delayed To 2026? Here's Why Take-Two CEO Is Worried About 'Slippage'

“We know that Rockstar seeks perfection. I never claim success before it occurs," CEO Strauss Zelnick said.

Rockstar would share more information on GTA 6 release when the timing is right.

Source : YouTube/Rockstar Games

Rockstar Games’ much-anticipated title Grand Theft Auto VI remains slated for a Fall 2025 launch, according to a recent announcement from parent company Take-Two Interactive during its latest earnings call. Despite speculation about possible delays due to Rockstar’s history with postponed releases, no such setback has been confirmed.

'Rockstar Seeks Perfection'

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged the inherent risks of game development timelines but expressed optimism about the current schedule. Speaking with IGN, Zelnick stated, "There is always a risk of slippage," but he also said that the company feels "really good" about the game being "ready by Fall 2025.” He emphasised the high expectations surrounding the release, both from the development team and the gaming community.

“We know that Rockstar seeks perfection. I never claim success before it occurs. I'm fond of saying arrogance is the enemy of continued success, so we're all running scared and looking over our shoulders and we know that the competition is not asleep. Our whole organisation is super excited,” Zelnick added.

In a separate conversation with Variety, Zelnick noted that the company had announced a relatively narrow release window for GTA VI. He hinted that Rockstar would share more information when the timing was right.

Take-Two's stock saw a significant boost following the earnings announcement, with shares climbing over 7 per cent. Analysts attribute this not only to the positive news surrounding GTA VI but also to the company surpassing its financial projections, indicating strong business performance.

The stakes for Grand Theft Auto VI are undeniably high. Its predecessor, GTA V, has set a formidable benchmark, with over 210 million copies sold worldwide. The Grand Theft Auto series as a whole has reached an astounding 440 million units sold. Industry forecasts suggest that GTA VI could generate $3 billion in revenue and sell 40 million units within its first year of release.

Rockstar’s other blockbuster franchise, Red Dead Redemption, continues to perform well, with sales of Red Dead Redemption II recently surpassing 70 million copies — an increase of 3 million units in just three months.

In addition to GTA VI, Take-Two has an ambitious lineup for 2025. Upcoming titles include Sid Meier’s Civilization VII on February 11, PGA Tour 2K25 on February 28, and WWE 2K25 on March 14. Summer 2025 will see the launch of Mafia: The Old Country, followed by the highly anticipated release of GTA VI in the fall and Borderlands 4 at an unspecified date within the same calendar year.

While GTA VI remains on track, Zelnick's cautious remarks underscore the dynamic nature of game development. With Rockstar’s reputation for delivering groundbreaking experiences, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for any updates as the anticipated release date draws nearer.