GTA 6 launch update proves the delay isn't as bad as we thought

The top man at Take-Two has spoken up about the decision to delay Grand Theft Auto VI until 2026, and it sounds like they’ve more than made the correct decision.

In case you’re not in the know, bad news: Rockstar Games recently made the decision to delay Grand Theft Auto VI until May 2026, roughly six months later than their planned Q4 2025 release date.

Good news: according to a recent interview with Take-Two’s CEO Strauss Zelnik, the vibes regarding the delay, internally, are extremely positive.

“As we get closer to completion of a title that’s seeking perfection, the needs or lack thereof, for continued polish become clear,” Zelnick told IGN.

“In this case there was an opportunity with a small amount of incremental time, we thought, to make sure Rockstar Games achieves its creative vision with no limitations. And I supported of course that approach.”

I think the most important part of this entire interview is that, whether it be for PR reasons or otherwise, Zelnik does genuinely come across as a guy that wants to avoid the dreaded video game development crunch.

GTA VI's delay came alongside a new trailer.

Back during the development of Red Dead Redemption 2, several employees at Rockstar Games spoke out regarding the frankly inhuman hours they were expected to work leading up to the game’s release.

Take-Two and Rockstar Games’ higher ups were absolutely dragged for their leadership failings during this period, which is why it’s nice to hear that the team working on Grand Theft Auto VI is being given all the time they need to perfect the game in a comfortable timeframe this time around.

I know we’re all excited to get our hands on the game, but no game is worth pushing developers to their physical and mental limits. We’ll wait as long as we need for a good thing.