GTA 6 Release Delayed to May 2026: Take-Two CEO Defends Decision, Promises “Creative Vision with No Limitations”
GTA 6 delayed to May 26, 2026. Take-Two CEO says extra time ensures a polished, perfect game with Rockstar’s full creative vision realized.
The long-awaited Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) will now launch on May 26, 2026, a delay from its original Fall 2025 window. The announcement may have disappointed fans, but Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick is standing firmly behind the decision, calling it essential to delivering a game of “perfection.”
A Delay for Polish, Not Panic
In an interview with IGN, Zelnick shared that the additional time allows Rockstar Games to fully realize its ambitious creative vision without compromise. “This is an opportunity with a small amount of incremental time,” he said. “We want Rockstar to achieve a creative vision with no limitations.”
Zelnick emphasized that as development nears completion, the need for "continued polish" becomes even more apparent. He expressed full confidence that the studio’s extra effort will translate into a next-gen title worthy of the GTA legacy.
A Historic Release in the Making
GTA 6 is set to be the biggest video game release in history, marking the first major installment in the franchise since GTA V launched over a decade ago. Initially announced in 2022, the game received its first gameplay trailer and a tentative release window in December 2023. After more than 500 days of anticipation, fans finally received a fixed launch date—only to be met with this delay.
Despite the setback, Zelnick views the decision as a strategic move rather than a failure. He assured fans that May 26, 2026 is a date they can count on, citing Rockstar’s strong track record of meeting firm deadlines.
“Now that we’ve put a specific date out there, we’re committed to hitting it,” Zelnick stated, reinforcing his confidence in the timeline.
Confidence Beyond GTA 6
While the delay is a short-term blow for Take-Two, Zelnick remains optimistic about the company’s broader pipeline. He highlighted several upcoming titles, including Mafia: The Old Country and Borderlands 4, signaling a robust future for the publisher beyond GTA.
