The wait for Grand Theft Auto 6 is agonizing, but is it worth it? Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick exudes confidence that the May 26, 2026 release date will hold, stating his "level of conviction is very, very high." This comes after an initial delay from its planned Fall 2025 launch, a move that sparked both disappointment and, surprisingly, some celebration among gamers.
Why the Delay is (Surprisingly) Good News?
The sentiment is captured perfectly by the term "copium," a coping mechanism for dealing with the extended wait. But some fans argue that a longer development cycle could mean a significantly better game. A Reddit user on r/GTA6 posed the question: "What is better? A pretty good GTA every 5 years? Or a REALLY good GTA every 10 years?"
The consensus seems to lean towards quality over quantity. One user commented, "Honestly after GTA 6 I'm fine with the former. Otherwise we probably won't live to see many." Another added, "Really good GTA every 10 years. Quality over quantity." The argument is that GTA games should be groundbreaking and innovative, something that takes time and dedication.
Rockstar's Reputation on the Line
Zelnick acknowledges the immense expectations surrounding GTA 6. He stated, "Rockstar's whole stock in trade is to have these extraordinary expectations, and still to beat them. I know that's their goal. I know it's gonna be an amazing game." Rockstar has a reputation for delivering exceptional gaming experiences, and the pressure is on to maintain that standard.
Record-Breaking Trailer Views
The hype is undeniable. The first GTA 6 trailer shattered records, amassing 93 million views on YouTube, becoming the biggest non-music video debut on the platform. The second trailer garnered over 475 million views in just 24 hours. These numbers demonstrate the global anticipation for Rockstar's next masterpiece.
While the wait is challenging, the potential payoff of a truly groundbreaking Grand Theft Auto experience may be worth it. Only time will tell if Rockstar can deliver on its promises and exceed the sky-high expectations.