The news no one wanted to hear! Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar Games' parent company, has just confirmed the delay of the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6). What led to this significant delay? How will it affect Take-Two and its investors? And what are the repercussions for an industry banking heavily on 2025? Find out here!
The confirmation came this Friday: Rockstar Games will need more time to refine its next gem. The new launch window for GTA 6 is now set for Spring 2026, specifically on May 26.
This delay of nearly a year from the initial autumn 2025 window immediately dampened investors’ hopes. They were counting on a quicker release to boost Take-Two’s revenues. The anticipation around GTA 6, fueled by a record-breaking first trailer, is immense. Every month of delay weighs heavily.
The market’s reaction was swift. Take-Two’s stock (NASDAQ: TTWO) tanked upon the announcement. Some reports indicate a plunge of up to 16% in early trading.
This volatility reflects the perceived dependency of the company on the revenues generated by its flagship franchise. GTA 6 is not just a game. It is a major economic event for Take-Two. Proof: its delay creates significant uncertainty.
Officially, Take-Two justifies this delay by:
While this pursuit of perfection is commendable and customary for Rockstar Games, it also raises questions about the potential challenges encountered during the development of a game of unprecedented scale and complexity.
The most direct consequence of this delay is the shift of the colossal revenues expected from GTA 6. Initially planned for the fiscal year 2026 (starting in April 2025), these revenues will now only start flowing in from fiscal year 2027.
This significantly alters Take-Two’s short and medium-term financial outlook. But that’s not all! This delay also forces the company to revise its forecasts. The strategic importance of GTA in Take-Two’s portfolio makes this delay particularly sensitive.
In the midst of the stock market storm, Take-Two’s management is working to reassure investors. Strauss Zelnick, the company’s CEO, reiterated his confidence in the teams and in the final quality of the game. He emphasized that despite this delay, Take-Two still anticipates record levels of Net Bookings for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, thanks in part to a solid release pipeline over several years. The company is thus counting on the diversity of its catalog to cushion the blow.
Investors are now eagerly awaiting the release of Take-Two’s fourth-quarter and fiscal 2025 financial results. This is scheduled for May 15, 2025. This disclosure is crucial to gain a clearer understanding of the updated prospects of the company and its strategy to navigate this delay.
The delay of GTA 6 is not just bad news for Take-Two. It could also have repercussions across the entire video game industry. 2025 was widely anticipated as a potentially historic year. It would be driven by the long-awaited release of GTA 6 and other major launches. The likely new Nintendo console (Switch 2) is part of it. This delay thus casts a shadow over these optimistic forecasts.
Beyond the calendar impact, this delay could also influence:
The absence of GTA 6 in 2025 creates a notable gap in the lineup of major releases.
The postponement of Grand Theft Auto VI to May 2026 is thus a major event shaking Take-Two and the video game industry. The challenge for Take-Two will be to manage this delay, maintain investor confidence, and (most importantly!) deliver in 2026 a game that lives up to the phenomenal expectations it has created. The company’s upcoming communications will be closely watched!
Léa is a member of the InvestX team, dedicated to guiding users through their learning journey. Passionate about cryptocurrencies, she closely follows market trends. On InvestX.fr, Léa writes articles to help readers decode the latest news and stay informed about the ever-evolving blockchain world.
DISCLAIMER
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice. Trading cryptocurrencies involves risks, and it is important not to invest more than you can afford to lose.
InvestX is not responsible for the quality of the products or services presented on this page and cannot be held liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused by the use of any product or service featured in this article. Investments in crypto assets are inherently risky; readers should conduct their own research before taking any action and invest only within their financial means. This article does not constitute investment advice.
Risk Warning : Trading financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies carries a high level of risk, including the possibility of losing all or part of your investment. It may not be suitable for all investors. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can be influenced by external factors such as financial, regulatory, or political events. Margin trading increases financial risks.
CFDs (Contracts for Difference) are complex instruments with a high risk of rapid capital loss due to leverage. Between 74% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should assess whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Before engaging in financial or cryptocurrency trading, you must be fully informed about the associated risks and fees, carefully evaluate your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk tolerance, and seek professional advice if needed. InvestX.fr and the InvestX application may provide general market commentary, which does not constitute investment advice and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult an independent financial advisor for any investment-related questions. InvestX.fr disclaims any liability for errors, misinvestments, inaccuracies, or omissions and does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information, texts, graphics, links, or other materials provided.
Some of the partners featured on this site may not be regulated in your country. It is your responsibility to verify the compliance of these services with local regulations before using them.
