The CEO and chair of Take-Two, Straus Zelnick, has insisted that delaying Grand Theft Auto 6 from 2025 to 2026 is worthwhile. 

Speaking to investors for the company's 2024/25 financial results, the exec said that the sheer scope of the eagerly-awaited blockbuster meant that any extra time Rockstar can have to polish is "a worthy investment". 

“Grand Theft Auto 6 began development in earnest in 2020 following the massive success of Red Dead Redemption 2, and the title is now the most anticipated entertainment property of all time,” Zelnick told investors. 

“Rockstar expects to release Grand Theft Auto 6 on May 26, 2026, which is in our FY2027. I believe affording Rockstar additional time for such a groundbreaking project is a worthy investment. The ambition and complexity of Grand Theft Auto 6 is greater than any previous Rockstar title, and the team is poised to release another astonishing entertainment experience that will exceed players’ expectations.”

Speaking to IGN, Zelnick said that the delay was seemingly due to polishing needs, adding that the company was confident the game wasn't going to be bumped again.  

“I think historically when we set a specific date, generally speaking, we’ve been very good about reaching it,” Zelnick said.

“As we get closer to completion of a title that’s seeking perfection, the needs or lack thereof, for continued polish become clear. In this case there was an opportunity with a small amount of incremental time, we thought, to make sure Rockstar Games achieves its creative vision with no limitations. And I supported of course that approach.”