Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick expresses strong confidence that Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch on May 26, 2026, reassuring fans after previous delays and rumors.
Fans of Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto series have been eagerly awaiting GTA 6 for years, and recent statements from Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick have offered some much-needed reassurance about the game’s release. Originally slated for Fall 2025, the highly anticipated open-world title was delayed to May 26, 2026, a move that left fans anxious about potential further delays. Speaking with CNBC, Zelnick emphasized that his “level of conviction is very, very high” regarding the scheduled launch.
Zelnick’s comments come amid an intense period for Take-Two, whose 2025 lineup also includes Borderlands 4 and NBA 2K26, while Mafia: The Old Country has already hit the market. Despite the pressure to deliver on GTA 6, the CEO made it clear that Rockstar’s approach is to exceed expectations rather than merely meet them. “We try not to pump expectations,” Zelnick stated, adding, “Rockstar’s whole stock and trade is to have these extraordinary expectations and still beat them. I know that’s their goal. I know it’s going to be an amazing game.”
The delay to May 2026 initially frustrated the franchise’s fanbase, especially considering the long gap between GTA 5 and its sequel. GTA 5, originally released in 2013, remains a commercial juggernaut thanks to GTA Online, and the anticipation for a full single-player continuation has only grown over the past decade. The new timeline adds almost another year of waiting, but Zelnick’s confidence and Rockstar’s reputation for delivering high-quality experiences appear to have reassured investors and fans alike.
Analysts have also weighed in on the potential impact of GTA 6. Wedbush Securities’ Michael Pachter estimates the game could launch at $100 and generate approximately $10 billion in revenue, given the reported $1.5 billion budget. While Zelnick did not comment on these specific projections, he did discuss Take-Two’s strategy regarding variable pricing and providing value that exceeds the cost to players.
Zelnick also highlighted the company’s focus on avoiding complacency. “We are looking over our shoulders. We are running scared. I am fond of saying that arrogance is the enemy of continued success,” he remarked, indicating that Take-Two is fully aware of the high stakes involved with GTA 6’s release.
The game itself will be available for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, and Rockstar continues to tease glimpses of its open-world design and story elements through trailers and marketing campaigns. Fans remain cautious but hopeful, balancing excitement with the patience required for one of the most ambitious video games in history.
With the CEO’s firm assurance and Rockstar’s track record of exceeding expectations, the scheduled May 26, 2026 launch date now feels like a realistic target. The months leading up to the release promise to be filled with more trailers, developer insights, and fan speculation as the world prepares for what could become one of the biggest gaming launches ever.
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