On Friday, Take-Two Interactive announced that “Grand Theft Auto VI” will now be released on May 26, 2026, which means fans will have to wait longer for this highly anticipated title. In response, stocks dropped by 8%.
Originally, the game from Rockstar Games was set to launch in the fall of 2025.
The “Grand Theft Auto” series is a crucial asset for Take-Two, significantly contributing to its revenue and player engagement. Expectations for this upcoming title have been a hot topic on Wall Street for quite some time.
Fans have indeed been waiting over ten years, and experts are optimistic about its potential success.
The last installment, “Grand Theft Auto V,” which came out in 2013, has sold more than 200 million copies, solidifying its status as one of the best-selling games ever.
“We’re backing Rockstar to ensure they realize the creative vision for Grand Theft Auto VI,” a company representative stated.
Delays are becoming increasingly common in game development these days; studios are grappling with higher production costs and the growing demand from players for a polished experience at launch.
This delay pushes “GTA VI” out of the 2026 release window, now likely set for 2027.
Take-Two is optimistic about online reservations increasing for 2026 and 2027, which they have been banking on consistently.
Investors will be paying close attention for insights during Take-Two’s fourth quarter earnings report on May 15th.
Even with this setback, Take-Two has a number of other titles set for the upcoming fiscal year, including “Borderlands 4” and “Mafia: The Old Country.”
“Given the ongoing forecasts for record online bookings in both 2026 and 2027, I think this might alleviate some concerns over possible sales overlap in 2026,” said one analyst.
In December 2023, Rockstar unveiled the first trailer for “GTA VI,” confirming it would return to Vice City, a fictional rendition of Miami, and introduced Lucia, the first female protagonist in the series.
The trailer hinted at a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde narrative, racking up more than 100 million views in just 24 hours.
Social media reactions to the game’s delay have been mixed.
While some users expressed frustration over the wait, others welcomed the opportunity for further refinements.
The release of “GTA VI” is poised to significantly impact the gaming industry, potentially driving growth even as U.S. tariffs have raised console prices and led to a decline in consumer spending.
