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Take-Two CEO Eases GTA 6 Delay Fears, Says 'A Lot of People Will Be Calling In Sick on November 19'
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick says the November 19, 2026 GTA 6 launch date is firm, joking that many workers will call in sick that day. He also confirmed marketing will begin "soon" ahead of the game's release.
Key update
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick says there will be a lot of people calling in sick on November 19, 2026 — and that is definitely good news for anyone fearing another GTA 6 delay. Speaking at the Interactive Innovation Conference, Zelnick discussed the company's approach to pricing GTA 6 and confirmed that Rockstar will spin up marketing "soon."
Why it matters
"What we think about is making the most spectacular piece of entertainment on Earth, in history – and it's a pretty daunting challenge," Zelnick said. "If we do that, and if we're of service to our customers, then the upside will take care of itself." He also expressed confidence that "a lot of people will be calling in sick on November 19" when the game finally launches.
What to watch
While the comment was delivered with a light-hearted tone, it signals something important: as far as Take-Two is concerned, GTA 6 is locked in for November 19, 2026. Of course, Rockstar has a history of surprises, and concern persists among fans that another delay could still happen before launch day.
Context
The calling-in-sick prediction is not without precedent. Major game releases have driven absenteeism for decades — most famously, Dragon Quest games in Japan have traditionally released on Saturdays to minimise school skipping among children, with an urban legend even alleging this was once mandated by law. Given that GTA 6 is arguably the most anticipated game ever made, it is unsurprising that a wave of sick days, holidays, and remote-work flexibility is already being anticipated across offices worldwide.
Bottom line
GTA 6 is largely developed in Britain, though UK politicians are unlikely to champion it publicly the way France celebrated Expedition 33 — one minister noted that "if we were the US, we'd be puffing out our chests." Rockstar has confirmed the game will begin its marketing push this summer, setting the stage for what promises to be the biggest game launch in history.