During a recent interview with The Game Business, Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick spoke at length about Grand Theft Auto 6. He supported the anticipated title’s review scores and addressed rumors of employee departures after its release, among other topics.
Take-Two boss reiterates that professional evaluation scores matter
Speaking to The Game Business, Zelnick insisted that review scores remain as strong as ever ahead of the highly anticipated game’s worldwide release. Grand Theft Auto 6.
He pointed out that Rockstar Games’ history – with titles like GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2 regularly landing in the 90s on Metacritic – directly reflects the studio’s “commitment to quality”. For Take-Two, these scores aren’t just vanity metrics; these are essential indicators of whether the game has met the “gold standard” that fans have come to expect.
Read also: Laid-off Grand Theft Auto VI developers launch public union amid ongoing legal dispute over mass layoffs
Zelnick also said The gaming business that critical reception was important for the upcoming open-world action game, and that it matters as much today “as it did in the past.” At the same time, he acknowledged that the media landscape has fundamentally changed since GTA V launched in 2013.
As a result, Take-Two is ready if GTA VI faces “dissenting voices” upon its arrival on the market. His boss noted that unlike the early 2010s, when it was easier to control the narrative by selecting a small group of trusted journalists for early access, social networks, streamers and content creators dictate the discourse. Today.
GTA 6 will boost console sales
A major concern for fans and experts is the rising costs of video game hardware components, with the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 having recently seen price hikes. Request if this trend could also drive up the price of GTA 6 upon release, Take-Two was not concerned, choosing to look these requests from a different angle.
The company believes that GTA VI will boost console sales, meaning fans will spend money to purchase the generation of consoles needed to play the new title to its highest potential. However, Zelnick believes the price increases will have some impact influence, but it will be positivebecause consumers remain very interested in interactive entertainment, particularly Since consoles.
No exodus of Rockstar Games staff
Strauss Zelnick also revealed that Take-Two Interactive does not expect Rockstar staff to leave their positions once GTA VI is released. With the upcoming title facing an extended development period, rumors have swirled that its employees are considering taking a leave of absence, but the company isn’t worried.
Zelnick noted that there is a very low attrition rate at Rockstar Games and at Take-Two Interactive, so there are no turnover concerns. He added that there is a lot of work to be done after Grand Theft Auto VI launches, so the chances of employees leaving are low, as they will continue. work to ensure the game is a huge success.
Rockstar’s plans to prevent leaks
Behind the scenes, there is much speculation about how Rockstar will handle the review process to avoid spoilers before launch. Rumors suggest that Rockstar may restrict access to reviews, possibly inviting reviewers to a secure “on-site” location to prevent leaks of game builds.
The company could also strengthen embargoes. As a result, media can expect strict embargoes that could be lifted shortly before the November 19 launch to protect the game’s massive marketing reveal.
Read also: Grand Theft Auto 6 November 2026 release confirmed by Take-Two marketing plans
Grand Theft Auto 6 was in active production for over six years before a final confirmation of its release date was made recently. According to Take-Two Interactive’s May earnings report, GTA 6 is officially scheduled to launch on current-gen consoles on November 19, 2026.
Header image via Rockstar Games
FAQs
Does Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick think critic ratings still matter for GTA 6?
Yes, Strauss Zelnick insists that review scores remain more important than ever for GTA 6, seeing them as essential indicators in meeting the “standard of excellence” expected by fans.
Will GTA 6 boost console sales according to Take-Two?
Yes, Take-Two believes GTA 6 will boost console sales, expecting fans to purchase the generation of consoles needed to play the new title to its highest potential.
Should Rockstar Games staff leave after GTA 6 releases?
No, Strauss Zelnick said that Take-Two Interactive does not expect Rockstar staff to resign, citing a very low attrition rate and ongoing work post-launch.
How does Rockstar plan to prevent GTA 6 leaks before release?
Rockstar could restrict access to reviews, possibly requiring reviewers to secure “on-site” locations, and strengthen embargoes to protect the game’s marketing reveal before its November 19 launch.
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