Strauss Zelnick suggests GTA 6 was originally targeted for a Spring 2025 release

The release of Grand Theft Auto 6 is one of the most anticipated of the decade. Nearly 13 years after the release of the previous title in the franchise, the wait has been more than long, spanning two console generations. But what’s even more surprising is that the wait could have ended recently, according to statements by Strauss Zelnick.

During an interview on David Senra’s podcast a few days ago, Zelnick stated that the release of GTA 6 was “about 18 months behind the original date… not much more than that.” This suggests that Rockstar Games and Take-Two’s original plan was for the game to be ready by spring 2025.

This date isn’t much different from when GTA 6 was first unveiled in December 2023, as 2025 was seen as a feasible release date for the studio. However, by the time Rockstar Games announced the initial release window, it was already set for Fall 2025. Eventually, the release date was pushed back again, first to May 26, 2026, and later to the current November 2026.

Zelnick has previously stated that he has given Rockstar Games enough time to achieve “perfection.” And while there is concern that sales may not be sufficient given the high development costs involved, analysts have repeatedly suggested raising the game’s price.

And its supposed pre-order date isn’t showing up

At the same time, and to rub a little salt in the wound, there was speculation last week that the pre-order campaign would begin early this week at Best Buy. An email sent to the affiliate program indicated that the campaign would run from May 18 to 21, but so far, there are no signs that it’s going to start. And of course, along with this campaign, new speculation has emerged about the much-rumored third trailer, which could also appear before May 21.

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For now, GTA 6 is set to launch on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 on November 19.

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