Zelnick Reassures Shareholders Amid GTA 6 Delay and Stock Drop

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has stepped forward to address shareholder concerns in the wake of Rockstar Games’ official announcement regarding the delay of *Grand Theft Auto VI*. Initially slated for a fall 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, the highly anticipated title has now been pushed back to May 26, 2026—a move that shifts its revenue impact from Take-Two’s fiscal year 2026 to fiscal year 2027.

Following the news, Take-Two's stock dipped by nearly 8% in early trading. In response, the company released a formal statement reaffirming its confidence in achieving sequential growth in Net Bookings (revenue) for both fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The message is clear: despite the setback, Take-Two remains focused on long-term success.

Zelnick himself voiced full support for Rockstar’s decision, emphasizing the importance of delivering a game that meets—and exceeds—creative expectations. “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,” he stated.

He continued, reinforcing stability and future growth: “While we take the movement of our titles seriously and appreciate the vast and deep global anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI, we remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence. 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.”

What’s Next for Take-Two?

With *GTA 6* no longer contributing to fiscal 2026 earnings, Take-Two must rely on other upcoming releases to maintain momentum. The company owns Rockstar Games, 2K Games, and 2K Sports—both of which are preparing major titles this year and beyond.

Among the most notable are *Borderlands 4* from Gearbox Software, scheduled for a September 2025 launch, and *Mafia: The Old Country*, also expected later this year. Additionally, NBA fans can look forward to the next installment in the acclaimed sports franchise, *NBA 2K26*.

Looking further ahead, the next *BioShock* game is currently in development, along with *Judas*, the next project from *BioShock* creator Ken Levine. While these titles hold strong commercial potential, none carry the same financial weight or cultural significance as *GTA 6*.

For many fans, the delay wasn’t entirely unexpected—Rockstar’s development cycles are notoriously long—but the lack of new visuals or gameplay footage at the time of the announcement left some disappointed. Despite this, the general sentiment among players remains supportive, recognizing the need for polish and perfection before release.

Will GTA 6 Release on PC at the Same Time as Console Now It's Been Delayed to May 2026?

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