Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, has provided insights into why GTA 6 was delayed, citing the developer's commitment to delivering an unparalleled gaming experience. As the highly anticipated successor to 2013's GTA 5, this next installment in Rockstar's legendary open-world franchise has generated unprecedented excitement since its official announcement in 2022.

The game's announcement trailer broke records, sparking endless fan theories and discussions. Originally slated for 2025, GTA 6 was pushed back to May 26, 2026, to ensure the highest quality standards. Now, Take-Two's leadership has offered deeper context behind this strategic decision.

In a recent interview with IGN, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick explained that as development progresses on "a title striving for perfection," additional polishing often becomes necessary. Addressing GTA 6's delay and its market impact, Zelnick stated that the decision was made because "a small amount of extra time" would enable Rockstar to fully realize their creative ambitions without compromise. "I fully supported this approach," he added.

While acknowledging that delays are frustrating, Zelnick emphasized that supporting developers in their "quest for perfection" remains paramount. He expressed optimism about Take-Two's 2025-26 release schedule, stating he feels "very confident" about their plans.

Zelnick also addressed concerns about the new 2026 release date, highlighting Rockstar's strong track record of meeting their commitments. The publisher's previous major title, Red Dead Redemption 2, similarly experienced delays before launching successfully on its final scheduled date.

Despite GTA 6's postponement, Take-Two has several major releases planned for 2025, including Mafia: The Old Country in August and Borderlands 4 in September.