Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto 6 has been delayed to May 2026, but Take-Two remains optimistic, expecting record-breaking net bookings and major releases like Borderlands 4 and Mafia: The Old Country to drive growth.
Rockstar Games has officially delayed Grand Theft Auto 6, shifting its release from Fall 2025 to May 26, 2026. The studio announced the decision in a public statement, explaining that the delay was necessary to ensure the game meets its high standards. “With every game we have released, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto 6 is no exception. We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve,” Rockstar said.
While fans may be disappointed, parent company Take-Two Interactive is fully backing the move. CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed strong support for Rockstar’s decision, highlighting the importance of allowing developers the time needed to realize their creative vision. “We support fully Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto 6, which promises to be a ground-breaking, blockbuster entertainment experience that exceeds audience expectations,” Zelnick said in a press release.
Despite the delay, Take-Two remains optimistic about its financial outlook. The company still expects record net bookings in both fiscal year 2026 (ending March 31, 2026) and fiscal year 2027. Zelnick emphasized that the company is “steadfast in our commitment to excellence,” and is banking on a strong release pipeline to drive long-term growth and shareholder value.
Part of that pipeline includes two major upcoming titles: Mafia: The Old Country, set for release in August 2025, and Borderlands 4, launching in September 2025. The former will unveil a new trailer and open pre-orders on May 8th. The latter, revealed in depth during Sony’s recent State of Play event, will feature new weapon manufacturers, the ability to replay story missions, and expanded gameplay systems, making it one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
Take-Two is also riding the continued success of Grand Theft Auto 5, which has now sold over 210 million copies since its original launch in 2013. The game remains a sales juggernaut, recently receiving next-gen updates on PC as part of a free upgrade for existing users.
Looking ahead, industry analyst Michael Pachter predicted that GTA 6 could launch at a premium price point, possibly $100 or more, justified by incentives like in-game currency for GTA Online. While this hasn’t been confirmed by Take-Two, it speaks to the enormous commercial expectations surrounding the title.
With strong titles on the horizon and unwavering support for Rockstar’s creative process, Take-Two is betting big on the future, delay or not. The company is set to release its next financial results on May 15th, which should provide further insights into how it’s positioning itself for the road to 2026.
Read the latest game news and detailed reports via Gamerative.
