'Grand Theft Auto VI' pushed back to May 2026, prolonging the wait for gaming's most highly anticipated release.

 Take-Two Interactive announced on Friday that the release of Grand Theft Auto VI has been delayed to May 26, 2026, extending the wait for one of the most highly anticipated games in history. The announcement caused Take-Two’s stock to drop by 8% in early trading.

Developed by Rockstar Games, GTA VI was originally set for release in fall 2025. As the flagship franchise in Take-Two’s portfolio, Grand Theft Auto plays a crucial role in both revenue and player engagement. With high expectations already factored into Wall Street’s forecasts, this delay will leave fans waiting even longer for the game, which has been in the making for over a decade. The previous installment, Grand Theft Auto V, released in 2013, has sold more than 200 million copies, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time.

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed full support for Rockstar Games, emphasizing that the additional time will allow the team to fulfill its creative vision for the game, which is expected to be a groundbreaking experience.

The delay reflects broader trends in game development, where rising production costs and player demands for polished launches have led to more frequent postponements.

Now, GTA VI will be released beyond Take-Two’s fiscal 2026, likely affecting revenue expectations for the upcoming fiscal year. However, the company has reaffirmed its forecast of growing net bookings for both fiscal 2026 and 2027.

Investors will get more information during Take-Two's fourth-quarter earnings report on May 15. Despite the delay, Take-Two has other major releases scheduled for next year, including Borderlands 4 and Mafia: The Old Country, which are expected to perform well.

D.A. Davidson & Co analyst Wyatt Swanson pointed out that Take-Two’s continued expectation of record net bookings in fiscal 2026 and 2027 should alleviate concerns over potential sales cannibalization during fiscal 2026.

The first trailer for GTA VI, released in December 2023, revealed the game’s return to Vice City, a fictionalized Miami, and introduced Lucia, the franchise’s first female lead. The trailer, which hinted at a Bonnie-and-Clyde-like dynamic, received over 100 million views within 24 hours.

The delay has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some expressing frustration over the longer wait, while others are pleased with the opportunity for the game to be further polished.

The delay also has broader implications for the gaming industry, as GTA VI was expected to drive growth in a market currently facing challenges, including higher gaming console prices due to U.S. tariffs and reduced consumer spending.