Rockstar delays GTA VI release to 2027
Take-Two Interactive on Friday forced the release of “Grand Theft Auto VI” to May 26, 2026, fanning the wait for the most hotly expected title in video-gaming history and sending its shares falling 8% in early trading.
Long-awaited sequel moves beyond 2026 expectations amid rising development standards
Rockstar Games has officially delayed the release of Grand Theft Auto VI to 2027, pushing it beyond Take-Two Interactive’s fiscal 2026 window. The game was previously expected to launch in fall 2025.
Major Revenue Driver Now Postponed
As the flagship franchise in Take-Two’s portfolio, GTA VI plays a pivotal role in the company’s financial health. The delay means adjustments to booking expectations for fiscal 2026, though Take-Two has reiterated that it still anticipates record-level net bookings in both FY 2026 and FY 2027.
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CEO Strauss Zelnick supported the decision, saying:
“We support fully Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto VI, which promises to be a groundbreaking blockbuster entertainment experience.”
Development Hurdles Mirror Industry-Wide Trends
Delays in high-profile game launches have become more frequent as studios face soaring production costs and increased pressure to release polished, bug-free titles. Rockstar appears to be prioritizing quality over schedule, a trend now common across the industry.
Decade-Long Wait Builds Massive Anticipation
Fans have waited more than a decade for a new installment in the GTA series. Its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, released in 2013, has sold over 200 million copies, making it one of the best-selling games in history. Hype surrounding GTA VI has been intense, especially after the December 2023 trailer reveal, which confirmed a return to Vice City and introduced Lucia, the franchise’s first female protagonist.
The teaser hinted at a modern-day Bonnie-and-Clyde narrative and drew over 100 million views in just 24 hours.
Take-Two’s Broader Pipeline Still Strong
Despite the delay, Take-Two has a robust slate of releases in the upcoming fiscal year, including highly anticipated titles like Borderlands 4 and Mafia: The Old Country.
Analysts, including D.A. Davidson’s Wyatt Swanson, are cautiously optimistic:
“Given that Take-Two reiterated expectations of record-level net bookings in both FY’26 and FY’27, we think this alleviates some of the potential concerns around sales cannibalization in FY’26.”
Investors and fans alike will be watching closely when Take-Two reports its Q4 earnings on May 15, seeking further clarity on the roadmap ahead.