In a recent interview with CNBC's Squawk Box, Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Take-Two Interactive, addressed the delay of Grand Theft Auto VI and provided insights into the company’s approach to game development. Despite the postponement, Zelnick emphasized that the delay is relatively short—less than six months—and reiterated the company's commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment rather than adhering strictly to release dates. Additionally, he disclosed his non-gamer status and outlined his role within the organization, focusing on talent management rather than consumer feedback.
Strauss Zelnick explained during the interview that the decision to delay Grand Theft Auto VI stems from Take-Two Interactive's and Rockstar Games' desire to ensure the best possible experience for players. Originally scheduled for late fall 2025, the game will now launch on May 26th, 2026. This adjustment reflects the developers’ dedication to polishing the product thoroughly. Zelnick mentioned that once an exact release date is announced, the team typically sticks to it, showcasing their reliability in meeting commitments after thorough preparation.
Andrew Sorkin, one of the CNBC hosts, inquired about how gaming companies consider each other's release schedules. Zelnick responded by explaining that coordination among firms occurs to prevent overlapping releases, ensuring diverse options for consumers at any given time. He highlighted that Rockstar Games aims not merely to excel in interactive entertainment but to set new standards across all forms of entertainment. The anticipation for GTA VI is immense, as evidenced by the record-breaking 475 million views of its second trailer within 24 hours, surpassing even its own previous record set by the first trailer.
Interestingly, when questioned about his personal gaming habits, Zelnick openly admitted he does not play video games. His leadership philosophy centers around attracting top-tier talent and empowering them to innovate without interference. He believes attempting to act as a 'Consumer In Chief' would be detrimental to his role as CEO, drawing parallels to his experiences in the film, television, and music industries where he similarly avoided adopting a consumer-centric mindset despite his passion for those fields.
Beyond discussing GTA VI, the interview delved into topics such as mobile gaming and artificial intelligence, offering a comprehensive look at Take-Two Interactive's strategic vision. For enthusiasts eager to stay updated on developments related to GTA and Red Dead franchises, resources like RockstarINTEL provide valuable insights through newsletters and continuous coverage.