Take-Two Announces Another Delay
Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. has postponed the release of its highly anticipated game, Grand Theft Auto VI(GTA 6), by six months, moving the launch date to November 19, 2026. The announcement came alongside the company’s quarterly financial results on Thursday.
Rockstar Games Gets Extra Time for Polish
In a company statement, Take-Two emphasized that the delay allows the Rockstar Games development team additional time to complete the game to the high standard of quality that fans expect. The publisher highlighted its commitment to delivering a polished experience rather than rushing the release.
Financial Implications of the Delay
This marks the second public postponement for GTA 6. Originally set for fall 2025, the release had already been shifted to May of next year. As development continues, the costs to finalize the game are expected to rise, raising concerns for investors.
Following the announcement, Take-Two shares dropped approximately 7% in after-hours trading, overshadowing the company’s quarterly performance, which exceeded Wall Street expectations.
GTA 6: Expectations and Legacy
Set in a fictional version of Miami, Grand Theft Auto VI is projected to become one of the most lucrative video games ever. Its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, has sold over 220 million copies, making it the second-best-selling game of all time, behind only Minecraft.
CEO Strauss Zelnick addressed the delay during an investor call, acknowledging the difficulty of pushing back release dates but stressing that past decisions to delay games have always paid off. He noted that competitors sometimes release unfinished products, often to their detriment.
Strong Quarterly Performance
Despite the setback for GTA 6, Take-Two reported strong financial results for the second quarter ending September 30. The company posted $1.96 billion in bookings, surpassing estimates of $1.72 billion, while adjusted earnings reached $1.46 per share, well above the projected 94 cents.
Controversy at Rockstar Games
In other company news, Rockstar Games recently terminated over 30 employees, prompting allegations from British labor groups of potential union-busting practices. Take-Two clarified that the dismissals were related to employees leaking confidential information.
