Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has shared new details about the development timeline for Rockstar Games' upcoming blockbuster, Grand Theft Auto 6. With the last major installment releasing in 2013, fans have been curious about how long Grand Theft Auto 6 has been in the works. Zelnick revealed that the game's development kicked off "in earnest" in 2020, following the monumental success of Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018.

For GTA enthusiasts, the wait for Grand Theft Auto 6 has been an emotional rollercoaster. The first unofficial glimpse came in 2022 when Rockstar Games faced a massive leak, exposing early alpha gameplay footage. The studio officially unveiled the game in December 2023 with a groundbreaking trailer. After a prolonged silence of over 500 days, the second trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 dropped last week, offering fans a deeper look into the game's characters, setting, and potential new features.

In a recent interview with IGN, Strauss Zelnick clarified that Grand Theft Auto 6 began full development in 2020. The term "in earnest" hints that pre-production might have started earlier, possibly right after Red Dead Redemption 2's release. With the game now slated for May 26, 2026, following a delay from its original Fall 2025 window, the total development time could span approximately eight years if pre-production began in 2018.

During Take-Two Interactive's quarterly earnings call on May 15, Zelnick elaborated on the delay, stating that Grand Theft Auto 6 is "seeking perfection" and requires additional polish to meet Rockstar Games' high standards. This meticulous approach has been a hallmark of Rockstar's development philosophy, ensuring each title delivers an unparalleled gaming experience.

Initially announced for a Fall 2025 release, Grand Theft Auto 6 faced widespread speculation about potential delays before Rockstar Games officially confirmed the new 2026 date. While some fans worry about further delays, Zelnick has reassured the community, noting Rockstar's strong track record of meeting set release dates.