‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ release delayed to 2026, sending shares tumbling

New York Post - May 2nd, 2025

Take-Two Interactive has announced a delay in the release of “Grand Theft Auto VI,” pushing the launch to May 26, 2026. This decision has led to an 8% drop in the company’s shares, as the game is a critical asset in Take-Two’s portfolio. Previously scheduled for fall 2025, “GTA VI” is highly anticipated, with fans waiting for over a decade. The delay moves the game out of Take-Two’s fiscal 2026, affecting booking expectations. The game, developed by Rockstar Games, is expected to be a groundbreaking release, continuing the success of its predecessor, “GTA V,” which sold over 200 million copies. Despite the delay, Take-Two remains optimistic about future revenue, citing other upcoming titles like “Borderlands 4” and “Mafia: The Old Country.”

The delay underscores broader challenges in the gaming industry, including rising production costs and the demand for high-quality releases. Analysts and investors are watching for more information in the company’s upcoming earnings report. The first trailer for “GTA VI,” released in December 2023, showcased a return to the iconic Vice City and introduced Lucia, the first female lead in the series. The mixed reactions on social media highlight the tension between anticipation and the need for a polished product. The broader industry feels the impact, as “GTA VI” was seen as a potential growth catalyst amid economic pressures like US tariffs affecting gaming consoles. The delay also raises questions about the future fiscal strategies of Take-Two and its ability to meet investor expectations.

Gaming Industry Grand Theft Auto Vi Take Two Interactive Strauss Zelnick Rockstar Games Video Game Delay Vice City Lucia Share Price Impact Fiscal Forecasts

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and largely accurate account of the delay of 'Grand Theft Auto VI,' a highly anticipated game. It effectively communicates the implications of this delay for Take-Two Interactive and the broader gaming industry. The story's strengths lie in its timeliness, clarity, and balance, offering perspectives from both the company and financial analysts. However, it could improve transparency by explicitly citing sources and providing more detailed insights into the mixed reactions from fans. Overall, the article is well-written and informative, with minor areas for enhancement.

Accuracy

The story is largely accurate and well-supported by external sources. Key claims, such as the delay of "Grand Theft Auto VI" to May 26, 2026, are corroborated by multiple sources, including official statements from Rockstar Games and industry reports. The reported 8% stock drop for Take-Two Interactive is also verified by financial news outlets. However, there is a slight discrepancy in the reported trailer views; the story claims over 100 million views in 24 hours, while some sources specify 93 million. This minor variance does not significantly impact the story's overall accuracy.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including perspectives from both the company and analysts. It quotes Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, who supports the delay for quality reasons, and provides market analysis from D.A. Davidson & Co analyst Wyatt Swanson, addressing investor concerns. The story also acknowledges mixed reactions from fans, showing both disappointment and understanding for the delay. However, it could have included more perspectives from gamers or industry experts to enhance balance further.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and easy to follow, with a logical flow from the announcement of the delay to its potential impacts on the company and industry. The language is clear and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the significance of the delay and the reactions it has elicited. However, some technical financial terms might be challenging for readers without a background in finance.

Source quality

The article draws on credible sources, including official statements from Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games, and provides analysis from a reputable financial analyst. The use of these sources lends authority to the claims made. However, the article does not explicitly cite where the information was obtained, such as specific press releases or interviews, which slightly affects the perceived quality of the sourcing.

Transparency

While the article provides a clear narrative about the game's delay and its implications, it lacks transparency regarding the sources of its information. There is no clear attribution to specific documents or interviews, which could help readers understand the basis of the claims. Additionally, the article does not discuss any potential conflicts of interest or the methodology behind the financial analysis presented.