Grand Theft Auto VI’s eagerly anticipated release has been formally delayed to 2026, and the video game industry is already feeling the effects of the shakeout. According to an estimate by Ampere Analysis, the delay might result in a staggering $2.7 billion loss of revenue this year, with implications for investor optimism, game purchases, and console sales.

According to The Game Business, Ampere Analysis estimates that the absence of Grand Theft Auto 6 from the 2025 release schedule will lead to a 700,000 decrease in sales of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S systems. It was widely expected that the game, which Rockstar Games had said would be released in 2026, would drive significant sales of both software and hardware this year.

Many buyers are reportedly holding off on purchasing next-generation consoles until GTA 6 is out, especially in light of the recent price increases brought on by hefty tariffs. Ampere also calculates that the delay has resulted in a shortage of around 20 million game sales from existing Xbox and PS5 owners. The combined loss of software and hardware sales is projected to have reduced industry revenue by $2.7 billion.

Industry reaction and broader ramifications of the postponement

The parent company of Rockstar, Take-Two Interactive, has already seen a decline in stock price following the updated schedule. Investor nervousness was exacerbated by the company’s latest forecast of $5.9 billion to $6 billion in bookings for fiscal 2026, which fell short of Wall Street projections. 

The delay is having an effect that goes beyond just financial projections. Seeing a gap in the release timetable, other game companies are rescheduling their releases. For example, Electronic Arts announced plans to release a new Battlefield game this fiscal year in an attempt to make up for GTA 6’s absence.

Although the delay demoralized spectators, many in the business are preparing to make the most of the extra runway. However, it’s clear that Grand Theft Auto 6 is more than just a game; it’s a market force, and its loss will have a significant impact for months to come.

Positively, the expansion that GTA VI would have brought to the industry this year has simply retreated. It will continue to do very well and increase industry revenue because it is the most anticipated media product of all time. Nevertheless, through 2025, publishers, platforms, and other businesses will need to fight for their existence.

It would be intriguing to observe how the industry performs this year sans Grand Theft Auto VI. However, Rockstar might yet reveal a few things. According to a Rockstar Games insider, the business began developing a fresh version of Grand Theft Auto 4 last year.