Grand Theft Auto VI release gets pushed back to May 2026, as per Take-Two Interactive's decision.
In an unexpected move, gaming giant Take-Two Interactive announced a delay for the highly anticipated "Grand Theft Auto VI," pushing its release date back to May 26, 2026. This news sent shares for the company tumbling 9% in premarket trading. Originally slated for a fall 2025 release, the title under development by Rockstar Games has been generating unparalleled excitement in the gaming community.
Analysts predict "GTA VI" to be an immediate sales sensation, with figures expecting roughly 40 million copies to be sold at launch, generating a whopping $3 billion in revenue according to several experts. Compared to Take-Two Interactive's previous fiscal year sales estimates, this figure has been revised downward to $6.35 billion upon the delay to May 2026.
For reference, the predecessor, "Grand Theft Auto V," has raked in more than 200 million copies since its 2013 launch, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time. In an astounding twist, it remained a top-seller in 2025, ranking 11th in U.S. sales, largely due to ongoing revenue from "GTA Online" and streaming services.
In the fight for the title of the highest-selling video game, both "GTA V" and its successor stand as formidable opponents. Some analysts argue that "GTA VI" could potentially reignite industry growth and boost hardware sales, with Mat Piscatella, of Circana, dubbing it the most "important" industry release ever. However, it faces the formidable challenge of living up to the decade-long commercial dominance of its predecessor.
| Game | Copies Sold (Est.) | Revenue Context | Release Year ||----------------------|------------------------|----------------------------|------------------|| Grand Theft Auto V | 200M+ | Ongoing "GTA Online" revenue | 2013 || Grand Theft Auto VI| 40M (projected) | $3B revenue projected at launch | 2026 |
With billions on the line, only time will tell whether "Grand Theft Auto VI" can surpass its predecessor's record-breaking success. Meanwhile, gamers worldwide await its May 2026 release with bated breath.
Meanwhile, the delay of "Grand Theft Auto VI" has sparked interest in the technology sector, as analysts predict the release could potentially boost sales of interactive gadgets. Mat Piscatella, of Circana, contends that this anticipated title could be the linchpin for hardware sales, setting the stage for a grand trading frenzy in the technology market in 2026. While some investors remain cautious due to the pressure to surpass the predecessor's success, others see it as an opportunity for substantial returns. Furthermore, analysts suggest that the successful release of "Grand Theft Auto VI" could ignite a new wave of gaming shares, making 2026 a year to closely watch for investors with an eye on the interactive gaming industry.
