Take-Two CEO on GTA 6 Delay: 'Painful but Necessary for Creative Freedom'

In February, I inquired about Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick's confidence in meeting the fall 2025 release target for Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6). At the time, Zelnick expressed optimism, stating he felt "really good about it." However, just three months later, GTA 6 faced a delay, with its new release date set for May 26, 2026.

Curious about the reasons behind this shift, I revisited the topic with Zelnick during an interview coinciding with Take-Two's recent financial results. He explained that as the game neared its completion, the necessity for additional refinement 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 remarked. He emphasized that with a modest extension, Rockstar Games could ensure the realization of their creative vision without compromise, an approach he fully endorsed.

The delay pushes GTA 6 beyond Take-Two’s current fiscal year, impacting short-term financial projections. Despite this, Zelnick remains optimistic about upcoming projects, including Borderlands 4 from Gearbox, Mafia: The Old Country from Hangar 13, and new entries in the NBA 2K and WWE 2K series.

“I feel really good about how Fiscal 26 looks sitting here today,” he stated, acknowledging the disappointment of delays but prioritizing the pursuit of excellence by his teams.

GTA 6 Jason Duval Screenshots

View 6 ImagesWhen I asked Zelnick again about his confidence in the new release date for GTA 6, he appeared even more resolute:

“I think historically when we set a specific date, generally speaking, we've been very good about reaching it.”

This suggests a strong commitment to the May 26, 2026, release, though he refrained from making absolute guarantees. A further delay would be surprising given the firm date now in place.

The release of GTA 6 Trailer 2 and additional details from Rockstar have fueled speculation among fans, with some believing that Liberty City might feature in GTA 6, either at launch or as post-launch downloadable content (DLC).

As we eagerly await more news, stay updated with our comprehensive coverage on GTA 6, including all the latest discoveries, a collection of 70 new screenshots, and expert analysis on how the game will perform on the PS5 Pro.