Take-Two Delays ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ to May 2026, Shares Drop Amid Extended Wait

Fans of Grand Theft Auto VI will have to wait even longer as Take-Two Interactive has postponed the game’s release to May 2026, pushing back what is arguably the most eagerly awaited launch in video game history. The announcement, made Friday, triggered an 8% drop in the company’s share price during early trading.

Originally scheduled for release in the fall of 2025, the latest installment in the blockbuster franchise will now debut on May 26, 2026. The delay removes the game from Take-Two’s 2026 fiscal year outlook and has prompted analysts to revise their projections for the company’s future earnings.

“We fully support Rockstar Games in taking the additional time necessary to bring their creative vision for GTA VI to life,” said Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick. “The game is set to be a landmark entertainment event.”

Grand Theft Auto is Take-Two’s flagship property, responsible for a significant portion of its revenue and player base. The fifth installment, GTA V, launched in 2013 and has since sold over 200 million copies, becoming one of the highest-selling games of all time.

While delays in game releases have become more frequent due to increasing development complexity and consumer demand for quality at launch, the shift still marks a significant blow for the gaming industry. GTA VI was expected to drive a wave of growth for the sector at a time when hardware price hikes and waning consumer spending have raised concerns.

The delay means the game’s bookings will now fall under fiscal 2027. Despite this, Take-Two reaffirmed its expectation for record net bookings in both fiscal years 2026 and 2027, citing a strong release pipeline that includes titles like Borderlands 4 and Mafia: The Old Country.

Rockstar Games released the first official trailer for GTA VI in December 2023, confirming the return to Vice City—a fictional version of Miami—and introducing Lucia, the franchise’s first female protagonist. The trailer, featuring a modern-day criminal duo, amassed over 100 million views in just 24 hours.

Reaction online to the postponement was divided. While some fans expressed frustration over the extended wait, others said they were willing to be patient if it meant a more polished final product.

Take-Two is set to provide further updates when it reports its Q4 earnings on May 15.