Rockstar Games has once again pushed back the release of the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI. Initially scheduled for a Fall 2025 release, the launch was postponed to May 26, 2026. Now, fans will have to wait until November 19, 2026, as more time is needed to refine the game to perfection. This latest delay was revealed just ahead of Take-Two’s Q2 2026 financial announcement and has stirred quite a reaction among investors.
Rockstar’s Commitment to Quality
During the earnings call, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick addressed investor concerns, explaining that the decision to delay the game was driven by Rockstar’s commitment to exceeding the high expectations of its audience. He emphasized that while changing release dates can be challenging, it aligns with Rockstar’s history of prioritizing exceptional quality over rushed launches. Zelnick remarked, “The drivers are the desire to deliver as perfect an entertainment experience as we possibly can and to try to live up to consumers’ extraordinary expectations and then exceed those expectations.” Rockstar’s track record includes previous delays for blockbuster titles like Grand Theft Auto IV and V, as well as Red Dead Redemption 2, all leading to polished end products. With GTA VI, expectations are sky-high given its predecessor’s status as the second best-selling premium game of all time.
Other Titles Making Waves
Besides the GTA VI delay, the earnings call covered other notable topics. Borderlands 4 by Gearbox, despite receiving critical acclaim, is reportedly underperforming in sales, attributed to initial PC optimization issues. Nevertheless, Zelnick is optimistic about future sales aligning with expectations. Additionally, Mafia: The Old Country has exceeded sales forecasts, suggesting more narrative-driven, budget-friendly titles might be on the horizon.