GTA 6 Delay Not Linked to Recent Layoffs, Says Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier
New York, NY – Contrary to speculation fueled by recent staff reductions at Rockstar Games, the postponement of Grand Theft Auto VI‘s release date to November 19, 2026, is not a direct result of those layoffs, according to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier. The game was originally slated for release on May 26, 2026.
Reports of layoffs targeting “artists, animators, designers, programmers and producers” – many in key roles - sparked concerns that the cuts would impact progress timelines.Some online observers immediately connected the staff reductions to the announced delay. However, schreier clarified on the ResetEra forum that the six-month pushback was primarily tied to Take-Two Interactive’s financial reporting cycle and pre-planned calendar adjustments stemming from a development process years in the making.
Schreier acknowledged the layoffs could have long-term consequences for the project, citing potential legal battles, diminished team morale, and difficulties filling critical positions. However, he explicitly stated, “This delay is not due to last Thursday’s layoffs.The game was not delayed 6 months because 34 people were laid off last week. the announcement was made today simply because Take-Two released its financial results.”
The layoffs impacted approximately 34 employees, according to reports. While the long-term effects of these departures remain to be seen, Schreier’s statement indicates the delay was a strategic decision self-reliant of the recent workforce reduction.
