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Take-Two Interactive Reports Strong Q4 Results and Delays Grand Theft Auto VI to 2026

Take-Two Interactive postponed Grand Theft Auto VI’s launch to May 26, 2026, aiming to enhance quality. Despite the delay, the company posted a 17% increase in Q4 net bookings to $1.58 billion, driven by strong performances from NBA 2K25, GTA Online, and mobile games. CEO Strauss Zelnick highlighted ongoing momentum and a robust slate of upcoming titles, forecasting record net bookings and growth in fiscal 2027 alongside continued innovation and player engagement.

Published May 16, 2025 at 12:12 AM EDT in Software Development

Take-Two Interactive Software recently announced a delay for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI, now scheduled for release on May 26, 2026. This decision reflects the company’s commitment to delivering a high-quality gaming experience, allowing Rockstar Games additional time to perfect the title. Despite this postponement, Take-Two reported strong financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter ending March 31, with net bookings reaching $1.58 billion, a 17% increase year-over-year.

The quarter’s success was driven by robust performances across multiple franchises, including NBA 2K25, Grand Theft Auto Online, Grand Theft Auto V, Civilization VII, and mobile titles like Toon Blast and Match Factory. NBA 2K25 notably achieved near-record sales with nearly 10 million units sold, accompanied by significant increases in player engagement metrics such as daily active users and average games played.

Take-Two’s CEO Strauss Zelnick emphasized the company’s focus on perfection and innovation, stating that the delay for GTA VI is a strategic move to meet fan expectations for a groundbreaking project. The company’s outlook for fiscal 2026 remains positive, with net bookings guidance between $5.9 billion and $6.0 billion, reflecting continued momentum from existing franchises and upcoming releases such as Mafia: The Old Country and Borderlands 4.

Financially, Take-Two reported GAAP net revenue of $1.582 billion for the quarter, up 13% from the previous year, though it recorded a GAAP net loss of $3.373 billion due to impairment charges related to goodwill and acquisition intangible assets. The company’s operational metric, net bookings, which includes digital and physical sales, licensing fees, and in-game advertising, provides a clearer picture of ongoing business health and consumer engagement.

Take-Two’s diverse portfolio and multi-label strategy continue to drive growth. The 2K label delivered strong results with multiple successful launches and expansions, including Civilization VII’s VR adaptation and upcoming Switch 2 release. Rockstar Games sustained high engagement with GTA Online and Red Dead Redemption 2, while Zynga’s mobile offerings, such as Match Factory and Color Block Jam, contributed significantly to net bookings and profitability.

Looking ahead, Take-Two plans to release 13 titles in fiscal 2026, including immersive core games, mobile titles, and iterations of existing franchises. The company anticipates that recurrent consumer spending will remain a key revenue driver, representing approximately 76% of net bookings. With a pipeline of approximately 38 titles slated for fiscal years 2026 through 2028, including 17 immersive core releases, Take-Two is positioned for sustained growth and innovation.

The delay of Grand Theft Auto VI underscores the increasing complexity and ambition of triple-A game development, where delivering exceptional quality and player experience is paramount. Take-Two’s strategic approach to managing release timelines, investing in technology, and expanding its global development workforce—including a significant presence in low-cost regions—illustrates the evolving dynamics of the gaming industry.

In summary, Take-Two Interactive’s latest financial results and strategic updates highlight a company balancing strong current performance with long-term investment in innovation and quality. The forthcoming launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, alongside a robust slate of titles across multiple platforms, positions Take-Two to capitalize on evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements in the interactive entertainment sector.

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