Quick Read
- GTA VI will release on May 26, 619, for PS5 and Xbox Series consoles.
- Multiple editions of the game will be available, with a focus on fair pricing.
- Take-Two Interactive exceeded financial expectations in Q1 FY2026, boosting confidence in GTA VI’s success.
- Lazlow Jones, a key contributor to past GTA games, will not be part of this installment.
Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI), one of the most eagerly awaited video game sequels, has finally been given a release date. Fans can mark their calendars for May 26, 619, as Rockstar Games’ flagship title will launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles. The announcement was made during Take-Two Interactive’s first-quarter fiscal year 2026 earnings presentation, where the company also shared details about its financial performance and upcoming game pipeline. Let’s dive into what we know so far about GTA VI, its editions, pricing strategy, and the absence of a key figure from previous titles.
A Long-Awaited Release Date
During Take-Two Interactive’s financial results presentation on August 7, 2025, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, confirmed that GTA VI would debut on May 26, 2026. This news has been met with enthusiasm by fans, who have been waiting for an official announcement for years. The release date aligns with Take-Two’s broader strategy of bolstering its fiscal year performance with high-profile titles. According to Investing.com, the company’s net bookings for the first quarter of FY2026 reached $1.42 billion, exceeding expectations. This robust financial performance underscores the anticipation surrounding GTA VI, which is expected to be a major revenue driver.
GTA VI will launch on current-generation consoles, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series, which means it will take full advantage of the advanced hardware capabilities. This is expected to elevate the gaming experience with enhanced graphics, faster loading times, and more immersive gameplay.
Multiple Editions and Fair Pricing
Another highlight from the announcement was the confirmation of multiple editions for GTA VI. While specific details about these editions remain under wraps, Strauss Zelnick emphasized that the company aims to offer players a fair pricing model. Speaking at the presentation, Zelnick stated, “Our goal always is to deliver more value than what we charge… Consumers have paid a fair price for it.” This suggests that, in addition to a standard edition, there may be premium editions with exclusive content, a common practice in the gaming industry.
The pricing strategy appears to be part of Take-Two’s broader goal of maintaining consumer trust while maximizing market reach. According to IG News, the company has historically launched games at a premium price, gradually reducing them over time to expand accessibility. This approach has proven successful in previous installments, and GTA VI is expected to follow suit.
Financial Context and Broader Implications
Take-Two Interactive’s financial performance has been on an upward trajectory, thanks to its diverse portfolio of games and strategic planning. As noted by Investing.com, the company raised its full-year FY2026 guidance, projecting GAAP net revenue of $6.10-6.20 billion, up from earlier estimates. This optimistic outlook is largely attributed to the anticipated success of GTA VI, along with other major releases like NBA 2K26 and Borderlands 4.
The gaming industry has been shifting increasingly toward digital revenue streams, a trend mirrored by Take-Two. Digital sales accounted for 98% of the company’s total net revenue in Q1 FY2026, reflecting the growing popularity of in-game purchases and downloadable content. With GTA VI, Rockstar Games is likely to leverage this trend, offering additional downloadable content and expansions post-launch to sustain player engagement.
The Absence of Lazlow Jones
While the announcement of GTA VI’s release date has been met with excitement, it comes with a bittersweet note for long-time fans of the series. Lazlow Jones, a writer, producer, and voice actor who contributed significantly to the franchise, confirmed he would not be part of GTA VI. Jones, who left Rockstar Games in 2020, was a beloved figure known for his satirical humor and memorable in-game radio segments.
In a recent interview with Nerd Reactor, Jones addressed fan speculation about his involvement in GTA VI. “We left in 2020, so I doubt it,” he said, reflecting on his two-decade journey with the franchise. Jones has since co-founded a new studio, Absurd Ventures, alongside Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser. Their first project, an open-world game, is already in development, marking a new chapter for the duo.
The absence of Lazlow and other key figures from Rockstar’s earlier years raises questions about how GTA VI will maintain the signature tone and humor that have defined the series. However, with Rockstar’s track record of delivering groundbreaking games, fans remain optimistic.
What Lies Ahead
With its confirmed release date, multiple editions, and ambitious financial targets, GTA VI is shaping up to be one of the most significant game launches in recent years. While the absence of Lazlow Jones marks the end of an era, it also signals a new beginning for Rockstar Games as it continues to evolve its creative vision.
As the countdown to May 26, 619, begins, one thing is certain: GTA VI has the potential to redefine the gaming landscape once again, just as its predecessors did.