The long-awaited release of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) has been a hot topic for gamers, with every piece of news surrounding the game sparking intense excitement and curiosity. Recently, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick addressed the rumors and concerns surrounding the game’s delay, offering clarity on its release timeline and reassuring fans that the delay is minor.
GTA 6’s New Release Date: What to Expect and When
During an interview with CNBC, Zelnick confirmed that GTA 6’s recent delay was less than six months, offering a bit of reassurance to fans who were worried about a prolonged wait. He explained that the new release date for the highly anticipated game is set for May 26, 2026, with the delay being relatively short, amounting to “less than six months.”
This announcement suggests that the original release window, which was speculated to fall in late 2025, might have been aimed for a November or December release. Zelnick’s confirmation provides clarity on the timing, although it’s important to note that Rockstar Games never officially confirmed an exact release date before the delay. The ambiguity around the timeline left many wondering when exactly GTA 6 would hit the shelves.
For now, the May 2026 release date stands, and Zelnick emphasized that it’s unlikely that the game will experience another delay. “Generally, when we announce a date, we’re able to hit that date,” he said. This statement from the Take-Two CEO offers confidence that the game will be released as planned, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Why the Delay? Rockstar’s Ambitious Vision for GTA 6
As expected, a delay for GTA 6 was always a possibility given Rockstar’s history of pushing back release dates for their major titles. Every Rockstar game in the past decade has seen delays, so this move wasn’t entirely unexpected. However, Zelnick’s statement highlights Rockstar’s ambition to create something extraordinary, which is the driving force behind the delay.
“Rockstar is trying to create the best thing anyone has ever seen in entertainment. Not just interactive entertainment. That’s a tall order,” Zelnick added, underscoring the company’s dedication to crafting a game that lives up to the immense expectations set by its predecessors.
GTA 6 promises to be a monumental entry in the Grand Theft Auto series, with Rockstar’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling, open-world gameplay, and immersive environments. This level of ambition requires time, and Rockstar is willing to take that time to ensure the final product exceeds the already sky-high expectations.
Zelnick’s Candid Admission: “I Don’t Play Video Games”
In a somewhat unexpected moment during the interview, Zelnick also revealed that he doesn’t play video games himself, despite leading a major video game company. When asked if he had played GTA 6, Zelnick responded with, “I’m not a gamer. I don’t play video games.” While this might seem surprising coming from the CEO of a company responsible for some of the most popular gaming franchises, Zelnick clarified that his role at Take-Two is not focused on playing games but rather on managing the talent that creates them.
“I don’t play video games, but I do share my opinions pretty openly about what I see in terms of game designs and concepts,” he explained. As Take-Two’s CEO, Zelnick’s role is more about attracting and retaining the best talent in the gaming industry and ensuring that the development teams have everything they need to succeed. His job, he noted, is to “get out of their way” once they’re empowered to do their work.
The Future of Rockstar Games: More Than Just GTA 6
Beyond the confirmation of GTA 6’s release date, there are other exciting developments at Rockstar Games. Rumors have surfaced that the studio is working on ports of GTA 4 for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, as well as a port of Red Dead Redemption II for the upcoming Switch 2. These potential projects reflect Rockstar’s ongoing efforts to maintain a strong presence across multiple platforms while keeping its legendary titles accessible to new audiences.
While the focus remains firmly on GTA 6, the idea of revisiting classic Rockstar games for newer consoles is a promising sign that the company is not just focused on its future but also committed to keeping its past hits alive for years to come.
