GTA 6 Delay: Take-Two CEO Admits He Won’t Play It, Industry Faces $2.7B Impact
The highly anticipated GTA 6 is making headlines again, this time not for gameplay reveals, but for its potential impact on the gaming industry and a surprising admission from Take-Two Interactive's CEO, Strauss Zelnick. The recent delay of Grand Theft Auto 6 from its initial release window to May 26, 2026, has sent ripples throughout the gaming world, projected to cost the industry a staggering $2.7 billion in 2025.
According to Ampere Analysis, while overall spending on games content and services will still surpass $200 billion for the first time, the growth will be narrower than initially anticipated. This is despite the expected release of the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting the significant weight GTA 6 carries in the market.
"The release of GTA VI in FY27 is expected to deliver a material uplift in engagement, monetization, and profitability, with the potential to drive multiyear financial strength across both premium and live service revenue streams," says Benchmark analyst Mike Hickney, maintaining a "Buy" stance on TTWO stock.
Adding an unexpected twist to the narrative, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick revealed that he won't actually be playing GTA 6. In an interview with CNBC, Zelnick stated, "I’m not a gamer, not a lot – I don’t play video games, I’m not the consumer-in-chief." He believes his role is to "attract, retain, and motivate the best talent in the business, and then getting out of their way." This hands-off approach, according to Zelnick, allows the developers at Rockstar Games to focus on creating the best possible game without interference from someone who isn't immersed in the gaming world.
Zelnick also addressed concerns about a potential second delay, stating, "I think historically when we set a specific date, generally speaking, we’ve been very good about reaching it." This offers a glimmer of hope for eager fans who are already feeling the sting of the initial pushback.
While the delay is undoubtedly a setback for the industry, analysts remain optimistic about the long-term impact of GTA 6. Clay Griffin, a games analyst at MoffettNathanson, considers the delay a "non-event" in the grand scheme, suggesting the eventual release will be a massive success. The anticipation surrounding GTA 6 is palpable, and its eventual arrival is expected to revitalize the gaming landscape.
What are your thoughts on the GTA 6 delay and the CEO's decision not to play the game? Do you think this delay will ultimately benefit the game's quality? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Related issues news
Will GTA 6 be delayed again?
GTA 6 release won't be delayed again now that it has a 'specific date', assures Take-Two boss. Take-Two Interactive's CEO Strauss Zelnick has served up some dutiful, investor-pleasing sentiments about GTA 6's delay from 2025 release to a 26th May 2026 launch date.
When will GTA VI be released?
We'll, of course, keep you updated when we learn more. GTA VI is currently scheduled to be released on 26 May 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
