Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick assures fans that GTA 6 will stick to its November 19 release date amid fears of delay. For those unversed, GTA 6, short for Grand Theft Auto VI, is an upcoming action-adventure game developed and published by Rockstar Games. The studio originally planned to release it in May this year, but it was postponed to November of the same year.
Take-Two CEO shuts down GTA 6 delay rumors
Take-Two CEO stands firm on GTA 6 release date amid delay rumors. Zelnick confesses the much-awaited game is roughly 18 months behind its original internal target.
Speaking on the Founders podcast hosted by David Senra, Zelnick answered straightforwardly, “November 19th. I do know.” Zelnick was asked to comment on the constant delays and fans’ fears that GTA 6 will be delayed again. The Take-Two CEO replied, “I think we’re about 18 months behind the original date. Not much more than that.”
Zelnick revealed that the constant delays, in fact, align with the company’s broader philosophy of prioritizing creative quality and ensuring it functions smoothly without any hiccups. He cited the original Borderlands as an example to support his vision for GTA 6.
Two months before the game’s scheduled release, the development team was asked to completely remake the art style. It was termed a risky move as the whole process would cost a staggering $50 million and push the launch back by a full year. However, Zelnick, unafraid of the monumental cost, approved the move.
He said, “Had we not done that, Borderlands wouldn’t have been a hit. And that was a non-obvious decision. And I’m pretty much assured you no one else in the business would have done it.”
The CEO also addressed the chatter surrounding GTA 6 and how it is commanding global attention from fans. Zelnick pointed out that most people see it as “the most valuable entertainment IP ever created.” Furthermore, he is aware of GTA V’s massive success and is certain GTA 6 will replicate that. After all, “Online games are highly social experiences,” the CEO added.
Originally reported by Anwaya Mane on Mandatory.
