New York, NY — The long-anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) has been delayed to May 26, 2026, causing a swift and sharp reaction on Wall Street. Following the announcement, Take-Two Interactive’s (NASDAQ: TTWO) stock price plunged nearly 11%, dropping from $235.17 to as low as $209.96 in early trading.
Originally expected to launch in Fall 2025, GTA 6 has now slipped into Take-Two’s fiscal year 2027, causing a major shift in the company’s revenue outlook. The delay erases what investors had expected to be a monumental sales driver for fiscal 2026.
Market Responds to GTA 6 Setback
The chart below illustrates the dramatic drop in Take-Two’s stock following the news:
🚨📉 Take-Two Interactive’s stock has tanked following the GTA 6 delay announcement.$TTWO pic.twitter.com/MWQ85NgYFf
— GTA News 🔴 RockstarINTEL.com (@GTAonlineNews) May 2, 2025
Take-Two’s market cap saw an immediate hit, with analysts citing delayed revenue and increased uncertainty in the publisher’s short-term roadmap. GTA 6, developed by Rockstar Games, is arguably the most anticipated video game in history, expected to surpass the already staggering success of GTA V, which has sold over 210 million copies since its 2013 release.
CEO Backs Creative Delay
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick defended the delay in a statement, affirming Rockstar’s commitment to delivering a polished, groundbreaking title.
“We support fully Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision,” Zelnick said. He added that despite the delay, record revenue is still anticipated in both fiscal 2026 and 2027.
Long-Term Confidence vs. Short-Term Jitters
While short-term investors reacted negatively, many long-term holders remain confident. With a strong IP portfolio and GTA Online continuing to generate significant recurring revenue, Take-Two still has time to recoup momentum. Still, the delay marks a reminder of how dependent the company’s valuation is on a single blockbuster franchise—and how sensitive the market can be to development timelines.