‘GTA 6’ Presales ‘Far in Excess’ of Expectations Ahead of Next Week’s Launch, Take-Two CEO Says

Take-Two Interactive disclosed that Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders are tracking far in excess of internal expectations ahead of the game's launch next week, according to statements from CEO Strauss Zelnick reported by Yahoo Finance, GamesIndustry.biz, and Reuters on November 9, 2026. The announcement came alongside the company's second-quarter earnings release, which showed net bookings falling 18 percent year-over-year to $1.6 billion, with the NBA 2K27 title missing its forecast. Despite the quarterly decline, Take-Two lifted its full-year revenue and profit forecasts, citing the impending GTA 6 launch as the primary driver. The company did not release specific pre-order numbers, with Zelnick stating that the numbers will speak for themselves soon.

Coverage from the three outlets emphasizes the contrast between the weak quarterly performance and the extraordinary anticipation for GTA 6. GamesIndustry.biz highlights the NBA 2K27 miss as a key factor in the bookings decline, while Reuters focuses on the upward revision of annual guidance. Yahoo Finance leads with the pre-order strength quote directly from the CEO. All three sources note the launch is scheduled for next week, though the exact date is not specified in the coverage. The earnings call provided the forum for these disclosures, with Zelnick fielding questions about both the quarterly results and the flagship title's trajectory.

The context for this moment stretches back over a decade since Grand Theft Auto V's 2013 release, making GTA 6 the most anticipated entertainment launch in recent memory. Take-Two's stock has historically moved sharply around GTA release cycles, and the franchise has generated billions in ongoing revenue through GTA Online. The NBA 2K series, typically a reliable annual performer, missing its forecast adds pressure on the company to deliver a flawless GTA 6 launch. The revised annual guidance signals management's confidence that the new title will more than offset current weakness, though the coverage does not specify the magnitude of the forecast increase.

What to watch next includes the actual launch week sales figures, which Take-Two has indicated will be disclosed promptly, and whether the game's online component — expected to be a major long-term revenue driver — achieves traction comparable to GTA Online. The coverage does not specify the platforms, pricing, or regional rollout details for the launch. Investor reaction to the revised guidance and any early technical issues or critical reception will also be key signals in the days following release.