Despite ongoing industry speculation and concerns about potential delays, Grand Theft Auto 6 is still on track for its Fall 2025 release, according to Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick. In a recent earnings call, Zelnick reaffirmed the highly anticipated title’s launch window, stating that Rockstar Games is making steady progress and that the company is confident in hitting its target.
The statement comes as fans eagerly await more news on GTA 6, which is shaping up to be one of the biggest game releases of all time.
Take-Two Stands Firm on GTA 6’s Release Window
Since the release of GTA 6’s record-breaking debut trailer in December 2023, speculation has been rampant about whether Rockstar Games can meet the planned Fall 2025 launch. With major delays impacting other AAA games in recent years, some fans feared GTA 6 might not arrive until 2026.
However, during a recent earnings call, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick reassured investors and fans:
“We are highly confident in Rockstar’s ability to deliver GTA 6 on schedule. Development is progressing well, and we feel really good about where things stand.”
This statement directly addresses concerns about a possible slip into 2026, emphasizing that Rockstar Games remains on track for its planned release window.
Why Is There Concern About a Delay?
Given the massive scope of GTA 6, some concerns about delays aren’t entirely unfounded. Several factors have contributed to speculation, including:
1. Rockstar’s Reputation for Perfectionism
- Rockstar Games is known for delaying games to ensure quality.
- Previous titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA V were delayed before release.
- With GTA 6 set to redefine open-world gaming, it wouldn’t be surprising if the studio takes extra time for final polish.
2. Industry-Wide Delays
- Many AAA games have faced unexpected delays due to longer development cycles, post-pandemic production challenges, and increased expectations for next-gen titles.
- Titles like Star Wars Outlaws, The Elder Scrolls VI, and even Rockstar’s own GTA Online updates have all experienced setbacks.
3. Lack of New Footage Since the Reveal Trailer
- Since the December 2023 debut, Rockstar has not released any additional trailers or gameplay footage.
- Some fans believe that if the game was truly on schedule, Rockstar would have shown more by now.
Why Rockstar is Confident in a 2025 Launch
Despite these concerns, there are strong indicators that Rockstar will hit its Fall 2025 release window:
✅ Take-Two’s Financial Forecast – The company’s earnings projections heavily rely on GTA 6’s launch in 2025, signaling that they expect the game to generate revenue within that timeframe.
✅ Advanced Development Stage – GTA 6 has been in development for nearly a decade, and reports suggest that the game has been in full production for years.
✅ Rockstar’s Silence Is Strategic – The studio has a history of waiting until the right moment before dropping new trailers, marketing pushes, and deep dives into gameplay.
