Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick confident about GTA 6's May 2026 launch

Zelnick addresses delay concerns

Recently, at the investor meeting, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick released a statement, reassuring GTA 6 fans with the May 26, 2026 release.

There have been many concerns since Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier recently reported that there is a chance that GTA VI might get delayed once again.

However, Strauss Zelnick is very optimistic about the May 2026 launch. Let’s check out more details in this article.

Strauss Zelnick’s views on GTA 6 delay

In an IGN interview, Strauss Zelnick expressed his views on the delay. He says, “Historically, when we set a specific date, we’ve been very good about reaching it.”

While he cannot guarantee May 26, his optimism is based on Rockstar’s track record, which includes the on-time release of Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018.

“As we get closer to completion of a title seeking perfection, the needs for continued polish become clear. We thought a small amount of incremental time would ensure Rockstar achieves its creative vision without limitations.” Strauss Zelnick said. He further added that he would be surprised if Rockstar delays the release once again.

This also aligns with Rockstar Games’ apology message for the GTA 6 delay, where they also expressed that they want to deliver a more polished product for the fans.

Why did the delay happen?

According to Zelnick on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Rockstar’s pursuit of perfection drove the six-month shift from Fall 2025 to May 2026.

Overall, the expectation from this game is very high and after that amazing trailer 2, Rockstar Games has set a very high bar.

They don’t want to deliver an unpolished version with bugs just to rush and release the game for fall 2025 (previous release date).

Instead, they are taking more time in order to ensure that GTA 6 will be perfect and amazing from day one of launch.

The second trailer, with 475 million views in 24 hours and 70+ pictures of Vice City and Leonida’s rich world, has silenced doubters, according to @RockstarGames.

Despite Take-Two’s 15% stock decline, according to the Financial Times, Zelnick remains positive, noting a strong 2026 lineup that includes Borderlands 4 and Mafia: The Old Country.

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