Rockstar Games has officially announced a delay for Grand Theft Auto VI, confirming that the highly anticipated sequel will no longer launch in fall 2025 as previously expected. Instead, GTA 6 will now release on May 26, 2026, initially for PS5 and Xbox Series, with a PC version to follow at a later, unconfirmed date. As expected, the delay has had an immediate and dramatic impact on the stock market.

Take-Two Interactive’s Stock Dives Following Delay

Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, saw a sharp drop in its NASDAQ share price following the announcement. Shares fell over 10% at market open, dropping from $235.17 to approximately $211 per share. At the time of writing, Take-Two’s shares had stabilized slightly at $221.12, marking an overall 5.99% daily decline.

The reaction highlights how critical GTA 6 is to investor sentiment, with the game widely considered one of the most anticipated entertainment releases in history. The delay has clearly shaken confidence in Take-Two’s short-term revenue projections.

Take-Two CEO Attempts to Reassure Investors

In a statement released alongside the delay announcement, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the company’s long-term vision:

“As we continue to roll out our phenomenal product pipeline, we expect to deliver multi-year growth for our business and increased value for our shareholders. While we take the development of our titles very seriously and appreciate the tremendous global excitement surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI, we remain firmly committed to excellence.”

Despite the financial hit, Zelnick reiterated Take-Two’s confidence in its broader portfolio and future growth.

Why the Delay?

Rockstar’s official reasoning for the delay is to ensure GTA 6 meets the franchise’s high expectations. With the original trailer setting records and fan anticipation at a fever pitch, the studio aims to prioritize polish and quality, even if it means a longer wait.

The shift to May 2026 gives Rockstar additional development time—something that fans of the series are reluctantly used to, given the studio’s history of extended development cycles and its “ready when it’s ready” philosophy.

TL;DR:

• GTA 6 has been delayed to May 26, 2026

• Take-Two shares dropped 10% following the news

• CEO Strauss Zelnick reassures investors, promising long-term growth

• The game will launch on PS5 and Xbox Series, with PC to follow later