Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick’s recent CNBC interview offered unexpected context behind the GTA 6 delay. While most expected a Fall 2025 launch, Zelnick casually stated that the delay was “less than six months,” suggesting that Rockstar may have originally aimed for a late 2024 release—possibly as soon as December. This would be a shock considering Rockstar hadn’t formally committed to that window, and most fans assumed an October 2025 release.

He added that when Rockstar gives a date, they typically meet it, reinforcing the idea that May 2025 will be firm. The reason for the shift? According to Zelnick, Rockstar is aiming to create not just an excellent game, but “the best thing anyone’s ever seen in entertainment.”

The Ripple Effect Across Gaming Stocks

The GTA 6 delay didn’t just affect Rockstar or Take-Two. Other major players took a hit, too. Zelnick noted that companies like Sony and Microsoft saw their shares dip after the delay news. Investors had expected GTA 6 to drive massive console sales, subscriptions, and related purchases.

According to some reports, Sony even had to adjust its earnings forecast by $600 million—simply because of the delay. The impact shows how dependent parts of the industry have become on Rockstar’s flagship series. When GTA 6 moves, the whole ecosystem reacts.

Zelnick Isn’t a Gamer—and That Might Be Good Business

One of the more surprising parts of the interview came when Zelnick admitted he doesn’t play video games. He called himself “not the consumer chief” and explained that his focus is on hiring talent and letting creative teams do what they do best. In contrast, he indirectly called out other executives—like former PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan—whose decisions, despite being gamer-adjacent, led to mass layoffs and financial missteps.

The point Zelnick made was clear: running a successful gaming company doesn’t require playing the games—it requires understanding the business. This separation may help prevent emotionally driven decisions that can backfire when the market shifts.

Why Mobile Strategy and Audience Segmentation Matter 

Zelnick also discussed the importance of mobile gaming and why Take-Two acquired Zynga. He emphasized that mobile audiences differ from console and PC players, both in habits and demographics. The decision to keep mobile development under a separate arm rather than forcing traditional developers like Rockstar into mobile-first projects appears to be paying off.

Strauss Zelnick: “It’s a pretty short delay, it’s less than 6 months”
byu/IcySmooth inGTA6

Mobile now makes up over 50% of Take-Two’s bookings. Yet, Zelnick cautioned against viewing this as a migration. Console and PC gamers are not switching to mobile en masse—they are simply different groups with different needs. Recognizing that distinction, Zelnick argued, is critical to long-term success in the games industry.

GTA 6 Delay Is a Setback, But Not a Disaster (GTA 6 Delay) 

Zelnick’s interview framed the GTA 6 delay not as a failure but as part of a broader goal to deliver excellence. While the delay impacted Take-Two’s full-year guidance and temporarily rattled industry stocks, the bigger takeaway is that the project remains on track—and Rockstar intends to meet the high bar set by fan expectations and prior successes.

Rather than chasing trends or rushing timelines, Take-Two appears content to let its biggest title arrive when it’s fully ready. And despite Zelnick’s personal distance from the medium, his understanding of its business mechanics might be what allows Rockstar the space to deliver something truly genre-defining.