In a stunning but ultimately reassuring revelation, Take‑Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has accidentally confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI was delayed for a third time – without fans ever knowing. The good news? That delay is already behind us, and the November 19 release date remains firmly on track.
What Zelnick Said
During an interview with David Senra on YouTube, Zelnick was discussing the game’s development timeline when he let slip that GTA 6 is launching “18 months behind the original date, not much more than that.” The original date Rockstar had publicly communicated was “Fall 2025.” But if the current November 2026 launch is 18 months after the original plan, that would place the original target in Spring 2025 – not Fall.
This suggests that Rockstar had already internally delayed the game from Spring 2025 to Fall 2025 before the first public delay was ever announced. The two public delays (to May 2026, then to November 2026) were actually the second and third delays overall. Fans never knew about the first internal pushback.
Why This Is Good News
The fact that the third delay has already come and gone without affecting the November 19 date means Rockstar is confident. There is no looming fourth delay on the horizon – at least not one that has been hinted. Zelnick’s casual admission actually puts minds at ease: the game has already absorbed its final schedule shift.
Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson confirmed the interpretation, replying “It was” to a fan who noted that GTA 6 was originally targeting Spring 2025. Henderson’s validation adds weight to Zelnick’s off‑hand remark.
Pre‑Orders Expected Today
While the delay news is interesting, the immediate excitement is about pre‑orders. All signs point to pre‑orders opening today, May 18.
- Best Buy sent an affiliate email offering 5% commission on GTA VI pre‑orders from May 18–21, verified by Insider Gaming.
- PlayStation Store listings now show “Free Delivery” and blank filter options (“Editions,” “Filter By,” “Sort By”), indicating backend preparation.
- Xbox Store listings have been appearing and disappearing, another sign of storefront tinkering.
A recent leak claimed there will be six ways to purchase GTA VI, including three standard digital/physical tiers, a rare Collector’s Edition, and two PlayStation 5 console bundles (standard and Pro).
What to Expect
When pre‑orders open – likely within hours – they will almost certainly be accompanied by Trailer 3, expected to be a gameplay showcase. Standard pricing is rumored to be $69.99 / £69.99. Multiple editions will be detailed, and the November 19 release date will be reaffirmed.
Take‑Two’s quarterly earnings call is on May 21. Opening pre‑orders now would give investors a major headline to celebrate.
Also, Read
- GTA 6 Multiple Game Editions Leak For Pre-Order, Includes Collector’s Edition
- GTA 6 Pre-Order Date Surfaces In Best Buy Email Ahead of Trailer 3 Drop
- GTA 6’s Price Finally Surfaces At Retailer Ahead Of Official Reveal By Rockstar
The Bottom Line
A third delay sounds alarming, but it already happened and the game is still on track. The wait for Vice City has been long, but the finish line is finally in sight. Pre‑orders are imminent – possibly today. Keep your eyes on Rockstar’s channels and the digital storefronts.
Grand Theft Auto VI launches November 19, 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. A PC version is expected later.