Here’s a polished blog-style write-up based on the latest public remarks from Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick regarding the release date plans for Grand Theft Auto VI:
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick Confident GTA 6 Will Launch as Scheduled
With fans anxiously awaiting Grand Theft Auto VI, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, has aimed to reassure stakeholders—and the gaming community—about the game’s upcoming release.
1. “My level of conviction is very, very high”
When questioned on CNBC about whether GTA VI would meet its current launch date of May 26, 2026, Zelnick responded:
“My level of conviction is very, very high.” (PC Gamer, GameSpot, Kotaku)
This statement reflects strong confidence in the project’s timeline, even though gaming development remains inherently unpredictable.
2. Rockstar’s primary focus—amidst other projects
While Rockstar Games is known to be juggling multiple titles—including ongoing efforts for GTA Online, Red Dead Online, and other projects—Zelnick emphasized:
“Rockstar does have a lot of other things going on, but this is of course the primary focus.” (PC Gamer, Reddit)
This underscores that while other initiatives are underway, GTA VI remains the studio’s top priority.
3. Managing expectations vs. unlocking hype
Zelnick acknowledged the intense anticipation surrounding GTA VI and how Rockstar continuously strives to exceed expectations:
“We try not to pump expectations. Rockstar’s whole stock and trade is to have these extraordinary expectations and still to beat them. I know that’s their goal. I know it’s going to be an amazing game. The rest we’ll see in the fullness of time.” (Kotaku, PC Gamer, Reddit)
Though cautious, his optimism suggests faith in Rockstar’s track record of delivering quality.
4. Why the May 2026 release? From development pace to strategic timing
Several insights help explain why GTA VI is set for May 26, 2026—including setbacks and internal decisions:
- Development ramped up in earnest since 2020, laying the groundwork for the current timeline. (The Times of India)
- The initial target was late 2025, but Rockstar opted for a delay to deliver on their creative vision. A shorter-than-expected postponement reflects strategic foresight. (Indiatimes, Diario AS)
- Take-Two’s approach—and historical precedent—suggest that once a specific date is set, they tend to stick with it. (Diario AS, Indiatimes)
TL;DR: Key Takeaways
| Topic | Insight |
|---|---|
| Release Date | Scheduled for May 26, 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S; Zelnick is “very, very” confident it will stick. (PC Gamer, The Times of India, MoneyWeek, GameSpot) |
| Development Context | Began in earnest in 2020; delay from late 2025 to mid-2026 allows Rockstar to meet quality standards. (The Times of India, Indiatimes, Diario AS) |
| Expectations | Rockstar aims to surpass extraordinary expectations, even while avoiding hype inflation. (Kotaku, Reddit) |
| Strategic Confidence | Take-Two tends to honor firm release dates once set; management projects confidence rooted in planning. (Diario AS, Indiatimes) |
Final Thoughts
Strauss Zelnick is projecting unwavering confidence in GTA VI’s release timeline, urging patience while underscoring Rockstar’s focus on delivering a groundbreaking experience. Though game launches are never immune to last-minute challenges, the combination of strategic delay, development clarity, and corporate discipline suggests May 26, 2026, may very well be their final word—unless Rockstar themselves indicate otherwise.
If you’d like, I can dive into how this timeline fits with other major game releases or explore the gameplay details revealed in recent trailers.