Take-Two Interactive Software (TTWO) shares experienced a dip of 7% in after-hours trading Thursday, following Rockstar Games’ announcement of a further delay to the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI). The game is now slated for release in November 2026, pushing back the previously revised May 2026 launch window.
In a statement, Rockstar acknowledged the extended wait, attributing the additional development time to ensuring the game meets the high standards expected by its global fanbase. “We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realize has been a long wait, but these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve,” the company stated.
GTA VI, one of the most eagerly awaited titles in the gaming industry, had its initial trailer unveiled in December 2023. This latest postponement marks the second significant delay, raising concerns among investors and analysts about potential disruptions to Take-Two’s financial projections. The company previously cited the need for further refinement and optimization as reasons for the previous delay.
“We remain both excited and confident they will deliver an unrivalled blockbuster entertainment experience,” affirmed Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick in a press release. “With the most robust pipeline in our Company’s history, we expect to achieve record levels of Net Bookings in Fiscal 2027.” Zelnick’s statement underscores the company’s continued belief in GTA VI’s potential, as well as the strength of its broader portfolio to drive financial growth. However, investors are likely focused on the near-term impact of the delay on revenue streams.
The announcement coincided with Take-Two’s release of its second-quarter earnings report on Thursday. The company reported a 33% increase in revenue, reaching $1.96 billion, surpassing LSEG estimates of $1.72 billion.
This revenue growth was fueled by the strong performance of several titles, including “NBA 2K26,” “Borderlands 4,” and the enduring popularity of “Red Dead Redemption 2.” The diversity of its game portfolio demonstrates Take-Two’s ability to generate revenue from both new releases and established franchises.
Despite the revenue increase, Take-Two reported a net loss of $133.9 million, or a loss of 73 cents per share. While not directly comparable to analyst expectations due to various accounting factors, the loss underscores the significant investments the company is making in game development and marketing, particularly for blockbuster titles like GTA VI. In comparison, the same period last year saw a net loss of $365.5 million, or a loss of $2.08 per share, indicating an improvement in profitability year-over-year.
Signaling confidence in its overall business trajectory, the video game giant raised its bookings outlook for the fiscal year, now projecting a range of $6.38 billion to $6.48 billion, up from the previous forecast of $6.05 billion to $6.15 billion. The midpoint of the updated range, $6.43 billion, exceeds Wall Street projections of $6.18 billion. This upward revision suggests Take-Two anticipates continued strong performance from its existing portfolio, even with the GTA VI delay.
Zelnick attributed the robust forecast to the business’ growing momentum, particularly in the mobile gaming sector and the continued success of “NBA 2K,” which has sold over 167 million units worldwide. The consistent performance of the NBA 2K franchise highlights the importance of sports simulation games in Take-Two’s revenue mix. Industry analysts are carefully watching competition and the game play innovation of its main competitor, EA Sports. The mobile gaming segment represents a crucial growth opportunity for Take-Two, as it taps into a broader, more casual gaming audience. Investors will be keen to see how the company leverages its diverse IP to further expand its presence in this rapidly growing market.
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