Fans of the legendary Grand Theft Auto series were hit with a major disappointment earlier this month when Take-Two Interactive announced that Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) would be delayed until May 2026. The highly anticipated title, initially slated for a 2025 release, is now on track to debut nearly a year later than expected. While the delay came as a surprise to many, Take-Two’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, has finally shared his thoughts on the decision, offering an explanation and expressing his support for the development team at Rockstar Games.
The Delay: A Necessary Step Toward Perfection
In an exclusive conversation with IGN, Strauss Zelnick addressed the delay and explained why Rockstar needed the extra time to polish the game. According to Zelnick, the development team at Rockstar is focused on delivering the best possible version of GTA 6 and ensuring that the game lives up to the lofty expectations of its fans.
“As we get closer to completion of a title that’s seeking perfection, the needs or lack thereof, for continued polish become clear,” said Zelnick. “In this case, there was an opportunity with a small amount of incremental time, we thought, to make sure Rockstar Games achieves its creative vision with no limitations. And I supported of course that approach.”
Zelnick’s comments reflect the high standards that both Rockstar and Take-Two Interactive are striving for with GTA 6. The game’s release is expected to mark a monumental shift in the world of gaming, and the development team wants to ensure that every aspect of the title is meticulously crafted.
A CEO’s Support for Rockstar’s Vision
While Zelnick admitted that delays “pain” him, he also emphasized the importance of supporting the team in their pursuit of perfection. “While of course, delays pain me—how could they not?—the most important thing to do is to support your teams in their search for perfection,” he added. Zelnick’s empathetic tone speaks to the delicate balance between maintaining investor expectations and prioritizing the creative vision behind such a massive project.
The decision to delay the game may have disappointed some fans, but it also highlights the importance of giving Rockstar the freedom and resources to finish the game the right way. After all, GTA 6 is expected to be one of the most groundbreaking releases in the history of video games, and Take-Two understands that getting it right is more important than meeting a deadline.
Rockstar’s Bold Creative Vision for GTA 6
The decision to delay GTA 6 is not one that Take-Two made lightly. According to the company’s investor documents, GTA 6 only entered full development around 2020, which is relatively late in the lifecycle for a game of this scale. Despite the late start, Take-Two emphasized that affording Rockstar additional time is a “worthy investment.” The company believes that the final product will be a significant milestone in gaming history.
In fact, GTA 6 is now being called “the most anticipated entertainment property of all time” by Take-Two, and with good reason. The release of the GTA 6 trailer earlier this year garnered half a billion views in just a few days, signaling the immense global demand for the title. The buzz surrounding the game is unprecedented, and both Take-Two and Rockstar are determined to meet the expectations set by such an eagerly awaited release.
GTA 6 Release Date and Platforms
Grand Theft Auto 6 will now launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on May 26, 2026, marking a new chapter for the series on next-generation consoles. While a PC version is not yet confirmed for release on launch day, fans are hopeful that it will follow at a later date.
Despite the long wait, the anticipation surrounding the game remains sky-high. GTA 6 has already become a cultural phenomenon, and its eventual release is set to be one of the most important events in the gaming industry.
As fans eagerly await the release of GTA 6, the game’s delay only adds to the intrigue and excitement surrounding its eventual debut. The added time allows Rockstar Games to refine every aspect of the game, ensuring that when it finally lands, it will meet and exceed the lofty expectations of players worldwide.
With the immense demand already building, there’s no doubt that GTA 6 will be a monumental success once it is released. The delay, while disappointing to some, is ultimately a strategic move to ensure the game is a true masterpiece, and Take-Two’s support for Rockstar’s vision will undoubtedly pay off in the end.
As we look ahead to May 2026, the gaming world will be watching closely to see how Grand Theft Auto 6 shapes the future of open-world gaming and continues the legacy of one of the most iconic franchises in the industry.
