Take-Two Pushes Grand Theft Auto VI Launch to Late 2026, Reports Strong Q3 Results
Take-Two Interactive Software has announced a second delay for Grand Theft Auto VI, pushing the release date to November 19, 2026. Despite this news causing a 7% drop in after-hours trading, the company reported impressive Q3 financial results. Bookings reached $1.96 billion, surpassing estimates of $1.72 billion, while adjusted earnings per share hit $1.46, exceeding the expected $0.94. CEO Strauss Zelnick emphasized the company's commitment to quality. Grand Theft Auto V has sold over 220 million copies to date, setting high expectations for its successor.
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Take-Two Interactive Software, the powerhouse behind the Grand Theft Auto franchise, has announced a second delay for its highly anticipated game, Grand Theft Auto VI. The release date has been pushed back by six months to November 19, 2026, as the company aims to give Rockstar Games additional time to achieve the expected level of polish.
Release Timeline
| Original Release | First Delay | Latest Delay |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | May 2026 | November 19, 2026 |
The news of the delay caused Take-Two's shares to drop 7% in extended trading. However, the company's recent financial performance paints a more positive picture.
Q3 Financial Highlights
| Metric | Actual | Estimated |
|---|---|---|
| Bookings | $1.96 billion | $1.72 billion |
| Adjusted Earnings per Share | $1.46 | $0.94 |
Take-Two's quarterly results exceeded expectations, with bookings of $1.96 billion surpassing estimates of $1.72 billion. The company's adjusted earnings per share of $1.46 also outperformed the estimated $0.94.
CEO Strauss Zelnick emphasized the company's commitment to quality, stating that Take-Two has never regretted delaying releases to ensure product excellence.
Grand Theft Auto Franchise Performance
Grand Theft Auto VI is poised to be one of the most lucrative games in history, following in the footsteps of its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, which has sold over 220 million copies to date.
In a separate development, Rockstar Games, the studio behind the Grand Theft Auto series, recently terminated over 30 employees for allegedly leaking confidential information. This move underscores the high stakes and secrecy surrounding the development of Grand Theft Auto VI.
While the delay may disappoint eager fans, it reflects Take-Two's dedication to delivering a polished and high-quality gaming experience. The strong financial performance in the latest quarter suggests that the company is well-positioned to weather the extended development period for its flagship title.
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