Is Now the Time to Buy Take-Two Interactive (TTWO) Despite GTA VI Delays?

The question of whether to invest in Take-Two Interactive (TTWO) amid the ongoing delays of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) hinges on a critical tension: the immediate disappointment of a postponed flagship title versus the long-term promise of a game widely expected to redefine the industry. With Q2 2025 results showcasing robust financial performance and revised guidance underscoring confidence in future growth, the company's trajectory remains a compelling case study in balancing short-term volatility with long-term value creation.

Strong Q2 Results Signal Resilience

Take-Two's Q2 2025 earnings report delivered a resounding performance, with total net bookings of $1.96 billion, far exceeding the $1.73 billion estimated by analysts according to the report. Earnings per share (EPS) surged to $1.46, more than doubling the $0.66 recorded in the same period the prior year as financial data shows. This success was driven by outperforming results across key segments: mobile net bookings hit $818.1 million (vs. $734.6 million expected), digital online net bookings reached $1.87 billion (vs. $1.63 billion expected), and console net bookings totaled $907.9 million (vs. $813.9 million expected) according to the report. Geographically, the U.S. contributed $1.19 billion in net bookings, while international markets added $771.9 million-both exceeding forecasts according to the report. These figures highlight Take-Two's ability to sustain momentum across its diversified portfolio, even as GTA VI remains in development.

GTA VI Delay: A Short-Term Headwind, Not a Long-Term Threat

The latest delay of GTA VI to November 19, 2026-pushing it back by a year-triggered an immediate 7% drop in Take-Two's stock price according to CNBC. Rockstar Games cited the need for additional time to ensure the game meets its "expected level of polish" as reported by Gamespot, a rationale echoed by CEO Strauss Zelnick, who emphasized the strategic benefit of aligning the release with the holiday season, a peak period for consumer spending as stated by Forbes. While the delay has shifted investor focus from near-term revenue to long-term expectations, Take-Two has mitigated concerns by raising its 2026 revenue guidance to $6.38–$6.48 billion according to CNBC. The company also remains optimistic about achieving record net bookings in 2027, with GTA VI projected to generate approximately $11.9 billion in bookings according to Investing.com.

Analysts have largely framed the delay as a calculated trade-off. Joost van Dreunen, a gaming industry analyst, noted that the extra development time increases the likelihood of delivering a "high-quality product" that could maximize lifetime value according to Reuters. Jefferies analysts further argued that such delays often create buying opportunities as markets adjust to revised timelines as reported by Investopedia. UBS echoed this sentiment, stating, "Good things come to those who wait," as a rationale for maintaining a bullish stance as reported by Investopedia.

Diversified Revenue Streams Bolster Confidence

Take-Two's strength lies not only in its flagship franchises but also in its ability to sustain growth through live-service games and mobile titles. The NBA 2K26 series and Zynga's mobile games, such as Toon Blast, contributed to a 12% year-over-year increase in mobile revenue according to Investing.com. This diversification has allowed the company to offset GTA VI's delayed impact, with Q2 results demonstrating that its core franchises-GTA Online, NBA 2K, and WWE 2K-remain "strong engines of in-game spending" according to Yahoo Finance.

Moreover, Take-Two's pipeline of upcoming titles, including WWE 2K26, Judas, CSR 3, and Project ETHOS, provides additional growth catalysts as reported by Investing.com. These projects, combined with the company's current price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 6.94-a metric that reflects strong revenue growth potential-have prompted analysts to raise 12-month price targets to as high as $300.00 according to Investing.com. Benchmark Research, for instance, reiterated a "Buy" rating for TTWO, citing GTA VI as a "major catalyst" for 2026 performance according to Barrons.

Weighing the Risks and Rewards

The primary risk for investors remains the uncertainty surrounding GTA VI's development. While Rockstar Games has a history of delivering polished, high-impact titles, further delays or quality issues could erode confidence. However, Zelnick's insistence that the delay "falls within Take-Two's fiscal year" and allows for "maintaining financial projections" suggests the company has contingency plans in place. Additionally, the raised 2026 revenue guidance indicates that Take-Two believes it can sustain growth without GTA VI's immediate contribution.

For long-term investors, the delay may even be advantageous. A holiday 2026 launch positions GTA VI to capitalize on seasonal spending trends and avoids direct competition with other major 2025 releases. As Reuters noted, the delay "allows Take-Two a potentially bigger launch" as reported by Reuters, a sentiment shared by many in the analyst community.

Conclusion: A Strategic Buy for Patient Investors

While the GTA VI delay has created near-term volatility, Take-Two's Q2 results and revised guidance underscore its ability to navigate challenges through diversified revenue streams and strategic timing. The company's financial health, combined with analyst optimism and a robust pipeline of upcoming titles, supports the argument that the delay is a temporary setback rather than a long-term threat. For investors with a multi-year horizon, the current valuation-bolstered by strong earnings, raised revenue forecasts, and a projected $11.9 billion bookings milestone in 2027 according to Investing.com-presents a compelling opportunity to capitalize on Take-Two's long-term growth engine.