GTA 6 Delay to 2026 Sparks Bitcoin Price Speculation on Polymarket

Rockstar Games has announced a significant delay for Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 6, moving its release date to November 19, 2026, from the previously expected Fall 2025. This marks the second postponement for the highly anticipated title, which was initially delayed in May alongside a second trailer. In a statement on X, Rockstar expressed regret, saying, "We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realize has been a long wait, but these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve."

The announcement triggered a 7% plunge in Take-Two Interactive Software's stock during after-hours trading on Thursday. Concurrently, Take-Two reported quarterly earnings, with revenue surging 33% to $1.96 billion, exceeding estimates of $1.72 billion, driven by strong performances from titles like NBA 2K26 and Borderlands 4. However, the company posted a net loss of $133.9 million, narrowing from a $365.5 million loss in the same period last year. CEO Strauss Zelnick emphasized confidence in delivering an "unrivalled blockbuster entertainment experience" and raised the bookings outlook to $6.38 billion–$6.48 billion.

The delay coincided with protests by former workers outside Rockstar's UK offices, who alleged that about 40 dismissals in late October were retaliation for union discussions. Rockstar's parent company denied this, citing policy violations related to sharing confidential information. The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain condemned the firings as "one of the most blatant and ruthless acts of union busting in the history of the games industry." This follows earlier security measures, including a return-to-office mandate in 2024 after a 2022 leak of unfinished game footage.

In a crypto-focused development, traders on the prediction market Polymarket responded to the delay with speculative bets. There is a 48% chance that Bitcoin reaches $1,000,000 before GTA 6 releases, alongside nearly 50% odds for other whimsical events, reflecting community sentiment and market humor amid the ongoing wait.