Strauss Zelnick Addresses Shareholders Amid GTA 6 Delay and Stock Drop

In response to the recent announcement of a significant delay for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), Take-Two Interactive's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, has issued a statement aimed at reassuring shareholders. Initially slated for a fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, GTA 6 will now launch on May 26, 2026. This shift moves the game's release from Take-Two's fiscal year 2026 to 2027, prompting a 7.98% drop in the company's stock value during early trading.

Despite the delay, Take-Two remains optimistic about its financial future. In a statement on its corporate website, the company reiterated its expectation to achieve record levels of Net Bookings in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Zelnick expressed full support for Rockstar Games' decision to delay GTA 6, emphasizing the importance of realizing the game's creative vision. "We support fully Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto VI, which promises to be a groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience that exceeds audience expectations," Zelnick stated.

Zelnick also highlighted Take-Two's commitment to excellence and its robust pipeline of upcoming titles. "As we continue to release our phenomenal pipeline, we expect to deliver a multi-year period of growth in our business and enhanced value for our shareholders," he added. While GTA 6's delay shifts its massive revenue potential out of the 2026 financial year, Take-Two is not without other promising releases. The company, which also owns 2K Games and 2K Sports, has a lineup that includes Borderlands 4 from Gearbox in September, Mafia: The Old Country later this year, and NBA 2K26 from 2K Sports. Looking further ahead, the next BioShock and Judas from Ken Levine are also in development.

However, none of these titles are expected to match the financial impact of GTA 6, leaving Take-Two's financial projections lighter than anticipated. Fans of GTA 6, while not surprised by the delay, had hoped for at least a new screenshot to ease the disappointment.