Take-Two Interactive’s chief executive Strauss Zelnick has voiced strong confidence that Grand Theft Auto 6 will not be delayed again and will launch on May 26, 2026, while also signaling that Rockstar Games has multiple other projects in the works.
In an interview with CNBC, Zelnick was asked to rate his conviction that GTA 6 will arrive on time. He responded that his conviction is “very, very high, obviously.” He stressed that Take-Two avoids setting hype beyond what Rockstar can deliver, noting that Rockstar’s history is to exceed lofty expectations even as it aims for perfection—a process that takes time. “I know that’s their goal. I know it’s going to be an amazing game,” Zelnick added.
The executive also underscored that while GTA 6 is a major focus, Rockstar has other titles in development. He did not reveal specifics, but industry chatter has pointed to a GTA 4 remaster and a potential Red Dead Redemption II port for Switch 2, along with a PS5 and Xbox Series X|S edition of RDR2. There have also been reports of Remedy Entertainment collaborating with Rockstar on Max Payne 1 and 2 remakes. Zelnick made clear that these other projects exist alongside GTA 6, but that the new Grand Theft Auto remains the centerpiece.
GTA 6’s release timing has been a long-running topic. The game was originally slated for Fall 2025 before being delayed to May 2026 to give the development team more polishing time. A separate report previously claimed the Fall 2025 date was never real, and Rockstar has a history of pushing releases when needed. The forecast for GTA 6 remains highly influential for the broader gaming market, with some predicting first-year sales around 40 million and a longer sales window with a PC launch at a later date.
The move to 2026 was not without market ripple effects. A research firm suggested the industry would be hoping GTA 6 could help turn around a slowdown in 2025, and the year is still crowded with major releases, including new entries in major franchises like Call of Duty and Battlefield, each targeting a launch this year.
What this means for players and investors is a continued push from Rockstar to expand beyond GTA 6 through remasters, ports, and potential next installments, while still ensuring that any new GTA meets the high bar the franchise is known for. If GTA 6 delivers as promised, it could reinforce Take-Two’s strategy of leveraging a mix of blockbuster titles and a broad ecosystem of re-releases and remakes to sustain long-term growth.
Key takeaways
– Strauss Zelnick expresses very high confidence GTA 6 will launch on May 26, 2026.
– GTA 6 remains the primary focus for Rockstar, with other projects in development but not publicly detailed.
– Rumored projects include a GTA 4 remaster, Red Dead Redemption II ports/editions, and Max Payne remakes with Remedy.
– GTA 6’s delayed timing has influenced market expectations, with strong first-year sales projections and a later PC release to extend the sales cycle.
– The broader market in 2025-2026 features major competing titles from Call of Duty and Battlefield, adding pressure for Rockstar to land GTA 6 successfully.
Additional context
– Rockstar’s strategy appears to combine the flagship GTA release with a stream of ancillary titles and upgrades to its existing worlds, aiming to maximize the franchise’s lifespan and revenue beyond the initial launch window.
– A successful on-time release could bolster investor confidence in Take-Two and demonstrate the publisher’s ability to manage large, high-profile releases while continuing to expand its gaming ecosystem.
Summary
Strauss Zelnick’s remarks place GTA 6 on a firm trajectory toward its May 2026 release, with Rockstar juggling ongoing projects and potential remasters/ports to extend the franchise’s reach. The industry watch remains focused on whether the game meets high expectations and how these ancillary projects will contribute to long-term growth.