GTA 6 About 18 Months Behind; Trailer and Pre-orders Delayed

In a YouTube interview with David Senra, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick estimated Grand Theft Auto VI is roughly 18 months behind its original 2025 release plan. He confirmed the title has been delayed twice as the publisher adjusts the schedule.

Rockstar first announced GTA 6 with a 2025 release date alongside the game’s initial trailer. At the start of May 2025, Take-Two moved the date to May 2026, and a later update in November set the current release date at November 19, 2026.

Emails to retail affiliates suggested pre-order links would go live, which raised expectations among players and retailers. Take-Two and Rockstar have not confirmed any immediate pre-order window; Zelnick indicated both a third trailer and official pre-orders remain delayed.

Zelnick noted Take-Two is providing Rockstar with additional time to finish the project. He described the company’s aim for the title as ‘perfection’ and said the publisher prefers to allow the studio to complete development rather than rush a release.

Take-Two has indicated the marketing campaign will begin in the months ahead, but it has not provided dates or specifics for future trailers or pre-order timing. Rockstar has kept development details largely private while issuing occasional milestone updates and official dates.

The Grand Theft Auto franchise is one of the industry’s top-selling series, and Rockstar releases typically attract strong consumer and media attention. Consumers and retail partners are awaiting an official announcement on pre-orders and the next trailer.