Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two, says he is “very confident” in compliance with the GTA VI release date set for May 26, 2026, while avoiding excessive expectations after the postponement of 2025, stressing that Rockstar aims “perfection” for this title expected for more than a decade.
Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, reiterated his certainty as to compliance with the release date of Grand Theft Auto 6, planned for the 26 out of 2026during an interview with CNBC. “My level of conviction is very, very high”he said, while temperating his words: “We avoid feeding expectations too much. »»
Cautious optimism after a first postponement
Initially announced for 2025, the game had been pushed over a year last February, Rockstar invoking the will of“Reach perfection”. Zelnick then qualified this additional period of« important » for development. Since 2020, the studio has devoted most of its resources to the project, although other productions (such as Mafia: The Old Country) also occupy its teams.
This insurance contrasts with multiple similar declarations Make before the announcement of the initial postponement. At the time, Zelnick had repeatedly expressed a “Big confidence” In compliance with the 2025 window – a period defined widely (only by a year), without a specific date. The choice of an exact date this time (May 26, 2026) could indicate more rigorous planning, but some observers remain skeptical, given the previous ones.
A colossal issue for Rockstar and Take-Two
GTA 6 represents one of the most anticipated launches in the industry, 12 years later GTA V. Its development, described as an absolute priority since 2020, is part of a strategy of “Excess expectations”characteristic of Rockstar. “Their reputation is based on exceptional titles that surpass what we expect”recalled Zelnick, without providing concrete details on the progress of the work.
The prudence of the CEO also reflects the financial risks: a new postponement could impact the results of Take-Two, which put on GTA VI To relaunch its growth after several mixed quarters. Players and investors should know more from here The first quarter of 2026when the latest production phases are finalized.
