Following the leak of the GTA 6 trailer, Take-Two’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, expressed disappointment, emphasizing that it did not have a negative impact on the development team. As one of the most highly anticipated games globally, this marks the first instance where the CEO has publicly addressed the leak.
In December of last year, the GTA 6 trailer was leaked a day prior to its scheduled release. In response, Rockstar opted to unveil the official trailer earlier than planned. This unexpected turn of events left fans divided, with some eagerly anticipating the reveal and others lamenting the premature leak.
During an earnings report by Take-Two Interactive, CEO Strauss Zelnick addressed the leak. According to IGN, Zelnick conveyed the team's excitement upon the trailer's release. He also remarked, 'In terms of the leak, that's always disappointing for the team, but ultimately, I don't think it hurt us.' Zelnick's perspective is understandable given the exceptional success of the Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer, which garnered over 174 million views on YouTube within 24 hours, becoming the most-viewed video game reveal.
While Zelnick currently maintains a relaxed stance regarding the leak, this contrasts with the initial reaction of much of the development team in the aftermath of the incident. In December, numerous GTA 6 developers expressed frustration over the leak, particularly considering the culmination of several years of work and the inability to adequately prepare for this significant moment. Despite this setback, the majority remained proud to witness their work unveiled.
GTA 6 Anticipated Release in 2025
Following the trailer's debut, many gamers eagerly await the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6, confirmed for 2025. However, the precise release date for Rockstar's highly-anticipated game remains undetermined. Given Rockstar's track record, a September or October release, similar to the timing of GTA 5, is plausible. There is also the potential for a delay, as observed with recent AAA releases. Regardless, gamers should await Take-Two and Rockstar's official announcement of the release date.