The highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI has been the talk of the gaming world for quite some time now, with fans eagerly awaiting its release. However, the latest news from Take-Two and Rockstar Games suggests that the game may be delayed beyond its originally announced release window.
According to Take-Two’s latest earning briefing, the company has provided lower revenue guidance for Fiscal Year 2025, leading to speculation that GTA VI may now be set for release in Fiscal Year 2026. This means that the game would not be released before April 1, 2025.
Take-Two’s CFO Lainie Goldstein mentioned during the earnings call that the company is in the midst of the budgeting process for FY25, and the figure is currently looking like it will be a little north of $7 billion, down from a previous forecast of $8 billion. This significant reduction in forecasted revenue suggests that GTA VI may indeed be slipping out of FY25 and into a release window between April and December of 2025.
It’s worth noting that analyst Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities has also indicated that the assumption now is that GTA VI has slipped out of FY25 and into FY26, reinforcing the possibility of a delay.
Rockstar has committed to a 2025 release for GTA VI, but history has shown that the developer is willing to delay its biggest games in order to ensure quality. Games such as Grand Theft Auto IV, Red Dead Redemption, Grand Theft Auto V, and Red Dead Redemption II have all been delayed beyond their originally announced release windows, indicating that Take-Two and Rockstar prioritize quality over meeting deadlines.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick emphasized during the company’s earnings briefing that Rockstar is “seeking perfection” with GTA VI and won’t release the game until it’s “optimized creatively.” Zelnick also mentioned that the developers making GTA VI are motivated to make the game the best it can be, as Take-Two’s profit-sharing plans could result in big bonuses for them.
In addition to the potential delay, GTA VI is set in Vice City and the surrounding area in the fictional state of Leonida, with the game seemingly focusing on two main characters, one of whom is Lucia and the other rumored to be named Jason. The game has been confirmed for release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
While the delay may disappoint eager fans, it’s important to remember that a delayed release often means a better, more polished final product. Rockstar’s commitment to perfection and quality has been evident in its past games, and it’s likely that the same approach will be taken with GTA VI.
As for my opinion on the matter, I believe that it’s admirable for Rockstar and Take-Two to prioritize quality over meeting deadlines. While the delay may be disappointing for fans, it ultimately means that the game will be the best it can be when it’s finally released. The commitment to perfection and the desire to create an outstanding gaming experience should be lauded, and I have no doubt that GTA VI will be worth the wait.