Latest news with #Zelnick
Metro
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Take-Two boss has zero interest in playing GTA 6: 'I'm not a gamer'
The CEO behind one of the biggest video game companies in the world has explained why he doesn't play them, despite having access to GTA 6. GTA 6 might be the most anticipated game on the planet, but one of the few people who has access to Rockstar's sequel is simply not bothered about playing it. Take-Two's Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Rockstar's parent company, made an appearance on CNBC to discuss the company's financial results for Q4 2025 and GTA 6, which has been pushed back to May 26, 2026. Zelnick described the delay as being from a 'desire to polish and create the best experience for consumers', but things took a personal turn when he was asked if he had played the game in question. 'I'm not a gamer,' Zelnick said, avoiding the question. 'I don't play video games [at all]. I'm not the consumer-in-chief.' When asked if he gives Rockstar notes when he's shown the game, Zelnick replied: 'I share my opinions pretty openly. I think being the consumer-in-chief in the entertainment business as the CEO is probably a mistake.' Zelnick, who previously worked for Columbia Pictures Television and 20th Century Fox, explained how he's never been actively involved in any creative work during his career – even in the TV and music business, despite calling himself a 'musician'. 'That's not my role,' he added. 'My role is to attract, retain, and motivate the best talent in the business, and then get out of their way.' While he's certainly not the first CEO of a games company who doesn't actually play games, it's odd that he doesn't appear to have any curiosity about playing GTA 6. More Trending Still, he's not shy about making some bold claims about the sequel. When addressing the reason behind the game's delay, Zelnick said: 'Rockstar is trying to create the best thing anyone has ever seen in entertainment, not just interactive entertainment. That's a tall order. And I think consumers have huge hopes for the title.' Last week, Zelnick described the delay as necessary to allow Rockstar to fulfil its 'creative vision' for GTA 6 'with no limitations'. Along with GTA 6, Rockstar is rumoured to be working on a Red Dead Redemption 2 port for Switch 2, and a remaster of GTA 4. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign-up to our newsletter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Stalker Legends Of The Zone Trilogy Enhanced Edition review – Chornobyl horrors MORE: People shouldn't complain about £80 games says ex-PlayStation boss MORE: Marathon delay predicted as concerns mount over the future of Bungie
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Take-Two Interactive CEO drops hint at original GTA 6 release window; fans say it's a 'calculated move to perfection'
Grand Theft Auto VI, a.k.a. GTA 6, finally released the second on May 7, 2025, after a long wait, but apart from that, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has recently opened up the original release window, which was likely late November or early December. During a new interview, Zelnick briefly discussed GTA 6's new release date and noted that it is a 'pretty short delay'. The CEO then went on to state that it is less than six months from its original launch date, reported Game Rant. GTA 6 delay is a short one The world was taken aback by Rockstar Games' breathtaking debut GTA 6 video in December 2023. However, the game's first announcement only mentioned a 2025 release date; the parent company of Rockstar would subsequently specify that the game will be available in the autumn of 2025. As months have passed, Rockstar has issued no new announcements on the title, screenshots, or video. Earlier the studio stated this month that GTA 6 had been postponed and will now be available on May 6, 2026, despite rising rumours of a possible delay on social media. What did Strauss Zelnick say about the delay? While the delay looks like a huge setback, Zelnick stated that it is actually 'less than six months'. According to a new interview with CNBC, Zelnick said that the delay is a short one, before noting that historically, when Rockstar has set a specific date, they do not delay it even further. Given that GTA 6 is now debuting in the last days of May 2026, Zelnick's remarks regarding the delay being less than six months appear to validate Rockstar's original goal of releasing the game in late November or early December. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick interviewed on CNBC: • "Rockstar Games are trying to create the best thing anyone's ever seen in entertainment"• Asked if he played it, says he doesn't play video-games but gives opinions (0:55)• Says delay is very little, only less than six… Fans react to the further delay of GTA 6 As soon as the interview of Strauss's interview surfaced on social media, fans shared their reactions; one said, "It is surprising and kinda not to hear, honestly. But I'm glad Take-Two just lets Rockstar do their thing without any interference unlike other AAA publishers, so I can give Strauss Zelnick some credit there." "Him not being a gamer at all has me glad his input has no weight when it comes to GTA 6 lol I'm sure he's given Rockstar advice and they make him believe they're gonna implement it but then just laugh after he leaves 😆" It is surprising and kinda not to hear, honestly. But I'm glad Take-Two just lets Rockstar do their thing without any interference unlike other AAA publishers, so I can give Strauss Zelnick some credit there. "That's exactly what market dominance sounds like. When your product isn't just a game, but the benchmark for all entertainment, delays aren't setbacks, they're calculated moves to perfection. The smartest money will be on Rockstar." That's exactly what market dominance sounds like. When your product isn't just a game, but the benchmark for all entertainment, delays aren't setbacks, they're calculated moves to perfection. The smartest money will be on Rockstar. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Take-Two CEO says he doesn't play video games, focuses on talent management
Source: Getty Images During a recent CNBC's Squawk Box appearance, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick provided blunt commentary on his leadership style and daily habits. When pressed about playing or viewing Grand Theft Auto VI, Zelnick announced that he doesn't play video games at all. Rather, he spoke to his emphasis on keeping top-shelf talent in order to produce creative excellence on the company's flagship titles. Zelnick describes himself as not a gamer, emphasizes leadership over play Take-Two CEO on GTA VI delay: Trying to create the best thing anyone's ever seen in entertainment During the interview, Zelnick was asked point-blank if he had engaged with GTA 6 . His answer was refreshingly candid: "I am not a gamer. I do not play video games at all." Zelnick then went on to explain that his role is not to be what he referred to as a "consumer in chief," but to guide the organization via strategic leadership. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo 'My role is to attract, retain, and motivate the best talent in the business and then get out of their way,' Zelnick stated. He added that while he offers his opinions openly, attempting to become the lead consumer as a CEO in the entertainment space would be a mistake. Experience from other industries shapes Zelnick's approach Zelnick's comments stem from his wide-ranging experience in entertainment industries. Having been in the film, television, and music businesses before entering video game companies, he said he never played the part of "consumer in chief" in those markets either. Rather, he said, success results from giving creative professionals power and believing in their vision. His remarks were made against the backdrop of more general questions regarding GTA 6 and its recent postponement to May 2026. Although Zelnick has commented on the timeline and offered optimism over the new window of release, this interview provided a rare glimpse into how he perceives his own role within the development cycle of one of the globe's most hyped games. Strauss Zelnick's vision enlightens us on a management style that prioritizes artistic liberty over personal engagement. Through delegating the task of bringing its vision to life to Rockstar Games and concentrating on putting together the best talent in the world, Zelnick places Take-Two on track for sustained success, without having to put down his controller. To quote, his job is not to play the game, but to assist in constructing the proper team to do so. Also Read: Strauss Zelnick discusses GTA 6 delay in CNBC interview, reaffirms confidence in new date Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Strauss Zelnick discusses GTA 6 delay in CNBC interview, reaffirms confidence in new date
Source: Getty Images In a recent interview with CNBC's Squawk Box , Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick said the delay of Grand Theft Auto VI amounts to less than six months and expressed strong confidence in the updated release date of May 26, 2026. Responding to growing fan concern, Zelnick emphasized that when Rockstar Games sets a release date, they fully intend to meet it. Strauss Zelnick says delay is minor, confident in 2026 release window Zelnick's comments mark the first time he has publicly spoken about the GTA 6 delay since Take-Two officially moved the release window from Fall 2025 to Spring 2026. While many feared the change signaled broader issues behind the scenes, Zelnick downplayed those concerns, stressing that the delay is relatively short and deliberate. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 24 OTT Apps + Exclusive Content on FLIQS + 300 Live TV Channels (Install Now) DishTV Watcho Install Now Undo 'It's less than six months,' Zelnick said. 'And generally, when we announce a date certain, we are able to hit that date.' He added that Take-Two's track record supports that claim, with the company typically delivering on time once a specific date is announced. His statement was intended to reassure both investors and the game's massive fanbase, many of whom were caught off guard by the delay. Postponement focused on refinement, not setbacks Zelnick reiterated that the decision to delay wasn't the result of setbacks, but instead a strategic move to give Rockstar the space to fine-tune what is expected to be the most anticipated game of the decade. He noted that Rockstar is aiming for an experience that exceeds expectations and that such quality takes time. In the same CNBC appearance, Zelnick confirmed that the rest of Take-Two's development pipeline remains intact. With other major titles in the works, like Borderlands 4 and a new Mafia game, the company's broader release strategy remains on track. He also acknowledged the significant anticipation surrounding GTA 6, highlighting the record-breaking viewership of its trailers and the enormous pressure to deliver a groundbreaking gaming experience. Strauss Zelnick's comments offer much-needed clarity following the announcement of the GTA 6 delay. While fans will need to wait a bit longer, the message from the top is clear: the delay is short, intentional, and aimed at ensuring Rockstar delivers a game that lives up to its enormous hype and fan expectations. Also Read: GTA 6 development cost is over $1 billion, says IGN Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
The Independent
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
GTA 6 release date delay explained by Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick
The CEO of Take-Two, which owns Rockstar Games, has confirmed why the decision was made to delay the release of Grand Theft Auto 6. The game was pushed back from its initial release window of Autumn 2025 to 26 May 2026 and Zelnick said it's because of how 'complex' the game is, describing the delay as a 'worthy investment'. In prepared remarks ahead of an earnings call, Zelnick said: 'I believe affording Rockstar additional time for such a groundbreaking project is a worthy investment. GTA 6 began development in earnest in 2020 following the massive success of Red Dead Redemption 2 and the title is now the most anticipated entertainment property of all time. 'The ambition and complexity of GTA 6 is greater than any previous Rockstar title and the team is poised to release another astonishing entertainment experience that will exceed players' expectations.' This explanation comes after Rockstar released the second trailer for GTA 6 on 6 May which had the biggest video launch in history with more than 475 million views across all platforms in its first 24 hours after release. It gave a fresh glimpse of protagonists Lucia and her partner – now confirmed to be named Jason – tearing through the Florida-inspired Vice City. It's the first trailer since the first teaser from December 2023, which shattered YouTube records and has since racked up more than 250 million views itself. The delay itself came on 2 May, shortly after Zelnick hinted a slip was possible despite earlier confidence in a 2025 launch window. While GTA 6 is now on the back burner until 2026, Borderlands 4, which was announced at the same time, is still scheduled to arrive in September. So, what do we know about GTA 6? When is the game releasing? And how much could it cost? We've got all the details about the upcoming instalment of the franchise. The long-awaited second trailer for GTA 6 recently landed, giving fans a fresh look at Vice City and our two new protagonists, but it came with a dose of disappointment. Rockstar officially confirmed that the game won't be arriving in 2025 as originally promised. Instead, it's now set to launch on 26 May 2026, according to a statement shared on the publisher's social media channels. It's not the first time Rockstar has delayed a major release. Take Red Dead Redemption 2, for example. The first teaser for that game arrived in October 2016 with a planned launch in the second half of 2017. It was then delayed twice, first to early 2018, and finally released on 26 October 2018 – a full two years after the teaser dropped. The timeline now looks similar for GTA 6. The game's first trailer debuted in December 2023, promising a 2025 release window. But with the new date set for May 2026, Rockstar appears to be following a familiar pattern. Timeline of 'GTA 6' release date delays Rumours of a GTA 6 delay began circulating in March 2024, when a report from Kotaku revealed insiders at Rockstar believed the game would be pushed to late 2025 or even early 2026. According to the report, development had started to 'fall behind,' with Rockstar leadership concerned the studio wouldn't hit its original target. Just a month earlier, in February 2024, Rockstar mandated a full return to the office for its staff. While the company cited quality and security as reasons, sources told Kotaku it was also driven by mounting pressure to stay on schedule. At the time, Kotaku reported that while early 2025 had once been possible, the studio was now aiming for an Autumn 2025 launch – a sentiment echoed by Zelnick during earnings calls throughout the year. In December 2024, Zelnick teased the game as 'extraordinary and worth waiting for,' adding that it would be 'breathtaking.' That timeline was finally upended when Rockstar officially confirmed the delay and set a new release date of 26 May 2026. The news came just ahead of the release of GTA 6 's second trailer, giving fans a new glimpse at the game's setting and characters. Zelnick has also given recent interviews where he's said when a specific release date is given, it's historically been met in relation to other titles. 'GTA 6' location: Where is Vice City? The second trailer for GTA 6 confirms the game is set in the state of Leonida – Rockstar's fictional take on Florida. Vice City sits at the centre of it all, returning as the main location. This time around, the city looks bigger, more detailed and far more grounded in modern-day culture than the 1980s version seen in previous games. While Vice City still has the flashy beachfronts and neon lights, it now includes everything from pastel hotels and late-night strip clubs to busy roads, local businesses and viral-style social media clips. Areas like Ocean Beach, Little Haiti and the Tisha-Wocka flea market all appear to be part of the city. Landmarks like the VCI airport and Port VC show up again, hinting at a much larger, more complex map. The game will also include locations like the Leonida Keys – a tropical island chain – and Grassrivers, a sprawling swamp region. There's Port Gellhorn, a faded coastal town with run-down shops and motels, and Ambrosia, which is dominated by a sugar refinery and a biker gang. Mount Kalaga, a mountainous rural area in the north, rounds things out. While Vice City is the headline location, GTA 6 is shaping up to be much more than a city map. The wider state of Leonida looks like a vast world, with plenty to explore outside the city. There is speculation that the inclusion of Mount Kalaga and the mention of Gloriana, which could be a fictional state based on neighbouring Georgia, means the game will expand beyond Leonida too. 'GTA 6' story and characters: Who will be the main protagonists in the new game? Rockstar recently released character bios for GTA 6. The two main protagonists are Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. Jason is a former soldier working for local drug runners in the Keys, while Lucia has just been released from Leonida Penitentiary and is looking for a way to turn her life around. Cal Hampton is Jason's friend and an associate of Brian Heder. He is described as living 'at the low tide of America' and spends his time listening to Coast Guard communications while drinking at home. Brian Heder is a veteran drug smuggler from the Keys. He runs a boat yard with his third wife, Lori, and is allowing Jason to live rent-free at one of his properties in exchange for help with local shakedowns. Boobie Ike is described as a Vice City legend who owns a strip club, recording studio and property portfolio, while Dre'Quan Priest is said to be an aspiring music mogul who runs Only Raw Records and is focused on building his label's reputation in the local music scene. Real Dimez is a rap duo made up of Bae-Luxe and Roxy. They are described as using their time shaking down dealers to fund their music careers and grow their social media following. They are signed to Only Raw Records. Raul Bautista is described as a seasoned bank robber who is always on the hunt for new talent. How much is 'GTA 6' going to cost? There's still no official price and Take-Two bosses refused to be drawn on revealing how much it will cost despite being asked about it by investors during the most recent earnings call. While rumours have suggested the game could cost up to $150 (£120) due to its reported $1bn to $2bn budget, that seems unlikely. The price of games is rising though, with Nintendo the first to up the price of one of its star digital games to $80 (£75) with Mario Kart World. Microsoft confirmed it will be following suit and doing the same with some of its first-party titles over the pre-Christmas shopping period. There has been speculation Rockstar is likely to follow suit, however Mafia: The Old Country, published by sister Rockstar company 2K, is being sold at $49.99 (£44.99) and Zelnick said in Take-Two's most recent earnings call the company is focused on giving gamers value for money through its variable pricing model. What console will 'GTA 6' be on, and is 'GTA 6' cross-platform? GTA 6 is officially coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on 26 May 2026. Rockstar has not confirmed a PC release, and there's no mention yet of a version for PS4, Xbox One or Nintendo Switch 2. A PC version will likely come later, based on Rockstar's usual release pattern. Cross-platform play has not been confirmed. Rockstar hasn't said anything specific about the Nintendo Switch 2, but Zelnick has previously said the Switch's audience has broadened and that 'we actually would fully expect to support Switch [2]', though GTA 6 was not mentioned by name. If it does come to the Switch 2, it'll almost certainly be well after the main launch. There's worse news for 4K support and 60fps. In 2024, Digital Foundry's Richard Leadbetter said the PS5 Pro was unlikely to run GTA 6 at 60fps, explaining that the series has always pushed the CPU hard. Since the PS5 Pro uses the same CPU as the base PS5, experts believe it will likely be locked to 30fps at launch, with possible upgrades later. GTA 5 for just £10, saving you £10.
