Strauss Zelnick Unfazed by GTA 6 Delay: "We're Feeling Extremely Positive About It"

Take-Two has released an impressive set of financial results, but with a significant twist: the highly anticipated GTA 6 has been delayed once again. The new release date is now set for November 19, 2026, a six-month delay from the original date. Despite this, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick remains confident in the game's potential, stating that the company is "trying extremely hard to deliver the most exceptional interactive entertainment experience ever created." He also expressed his confidence in the new release date, saying "we're feeling really good about it." Zelnick is not concerned about the impact of the delay on the business, citing that occasionally, more time is required to polish a title and ensure its release in the best possible form. The delay may have a brief impact on Take-Two's share price, but the game is still expected to be a huge hit and sell extremely well whenever it is released. The greater impact of the delay will be on the industry as a whole, with many publishers having built their 2026 plans around an expected attention void in May, which will now need to be revised. Zelnick does not feel responsible for the impact of the delay on other companies, stating that the company's responsibility is to deliver the best possible entertainment experience for its consumers. Take-Two is not relying solely on GTA 6 for its success, with the latest financials showing a strong performance from the mobile sector, which accounts for 46% of the company's revenue. Zelnick sees this level of performance as crucial to the company's ambition to be the premier interactive entertainment company globally. The company is also investing in original IP, with Zynga being a prime example, and is expecting additional revenues from the recent changes in mobile app store legislation. Take-Two is not rushing to capitalize on the recent boom in gaming transmedia, instead taking a cautious and selective approach to licensing. The company finds itself in a position of strength, with Zelnick considering it to be the last remaining large-scale US gaming publisher, and is proud of its experience as a public company, with its stock having risen by nearly 5,000% over the past 18 years.