**Take-Two Interactive Forecasts Lower Fiscal 2026 Bookings Amid GTA VI Delay**
Take-Two Interactive has projected its fiscal 2026 bookings to fall short of revised Wall Street expectations, indicating that even a robust lineup of game releases this year may not offset the impact of the delay of the much-anticipated “Grand Theft Auto VI.” The company anticipates bookings between $5.9 billion and $6 billion, significantly lower than the $6.46 billion average forecast from analysts, as compiled by Visible Alpha following the announcement of the game’s delay.
In after-hours trading, shares of the New York-based gaming company dropped nearly 2%. The next installment in the iconic “Grand Theft Auto” series is expected to sell millions of copies and generate substantial revenue shortly after its release. However, Take-Two’s decision to push the game’s launch to fiscal 2027 could negatively affect its overall bookings for the current year, while potentially benefiting future earnings.
“As we bring our exciting lineup to market, including Grand Theft Auto VI in fiscal 2027, we expect to achieve record levels of net bookings,” stated Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick. The postponement of “GTA VI” has prompted other publishers to adjust their release schedules to take advantage of the gap left by what is expected to be a blockbuster title.
Despite the setback with “GTA VI,” Take-Two has other promising titles slated for release this year, including “Borderlands 4” and “Mafia: The Old Country.” However, these releases may not be sufficient to mitigate the financial impact of the delay. The company also projects first-quarter bookings to be between $1.25 billion and $1.30 billion, slightly below the estimated $1.28 billion.
In summary, while Take-Two Interactive has a strong portfolio of games, the delay of “Grand Theft Auto VI” poses significant challenges for its fiscal 2026 outlook.
**FAQ**
**Q: What impact will the delay of GTA VI have on Take-Two’s financials?**
A: The delay is expected to lower Take-Two’s fiscal 2026 bookings, as the anticipated revenue from GTA VI will not be realized until fiscal 2027.
