Take-Two Interactive Solidifies November 19 Launch Date for Grand Theft Auto 6

2026-02-28 companies

New York, Saturday, 28 February 2026.
Take-Two confirms the November 19, 2026 release for GTA 6, notifying partners like Sony. Analysts project the launch could generate a record-breaking $2 billion in its first week.

Definitive Timeline Established for Industry Giant

Take-Two Interactive has formally notified platform holders Sony and Microsoft that Grand Theft Auto VI remains on schedule, solidifying a release date of November 19, 2026 [1][4]. This confirmation, reported as of February 26, 2026, establishes a firm launch window for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles, dispelling lingering concerns regarding potential delays [1][3]. The announcement is critical for investors and stakeholders, as the parent company of Rockstar Games aims to capitalize on the holiday season with a product launch that analysts project could generate up to $2 billion in revenue within its first week alone [5]. Management has characterized the approaching Fiscal Year 2027 as “groundbreaking,” a forecast largely predicated on this title’s timely arrival [5].

Navigating Delays and Market Impact

The road to this confirmed date has been characterized by significant schedule adjustments. The title was previously rescheduled from an initial window in 2025 to May 2026, before settling on the current November 19, 2026 target [2][6]. While recent leaks from industry insiders claimed the title was on track for the “current fiscal year,” analysts note a discrepancy; a November launch falls into Take-Two’s next fiscal cycle, which begins April 1, 2026 [1][6]. Despite this confusion in terminology, the consensus remains that the November date is firm, a decision that has reportedly caused other major publishers to adjust their calendars. Reports suggest that titles such as Microsoft’s Fable may have shifted timelines to avoid competing directly with the Rockstar release [2][6].

Pricing Strategy and Technical Expectations

As the industry prepares for what is expected to be the largest launch in gaming history, discussions regarding pricing and technical performance have intensified. Rumors based on leaked European listings suggest a console price point of $100, while the PC version—expected to launch at least a year later—could be priced around $80 [2][6]. This represents a potential premium of 20 dollars for the initial console release. On the technical front, Rockstar engineers are tasked with optimizing the game for current-generation hardware, with specific attention being paid to performance on the Xbox Series S to ensure graphical fidelity is maintained across all supported platforms [3].

Marketing Rollout and Future Outlook

With the release date locked, Take-Two is pivoting toward a massive promotional push. The company plans to initiate the official marketing campaign for Grand Theft Auto VI in the summer of 2026 [1][5]. CEO Strauss Zelnick has expressed high confidence in the developer’s ability to meet the November deadline, noting that confidence levels maximize as marketing beats approach [5]. While skepticism persists in some online communities due to the franchise’s history of delays, the formal reassurance provided to console partners indicates a high degree of corporate certainty that the title will anchor the 2026 holiday sales period [4][6].

Sources

Take-Two Interactive Grand Theft Auto VI