Shares of Take-Two Interactive Software (TTWO) plummeted 8.81% in intraday trading on Friday, as investors reacted to news of a significant delay in the release of the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI game. The company announced that the game's launch has been pushed back to November 19, 2026, marking the second postponement for the title that was initially slated for release in fall 2025.

The delay overshadowed Take-Two's mixed fiscal second-quarter earnings report and an improved full-year outlook. For the quarter ended September 30, the company reported a net loss of $0.73 per share, which was narrower than the $2.08 loss per share in the same period last year but missed analyst expectations. However, revenue came in at $1.77 billion, surpassing the estimated $1.72 billion.

Despite the game delay, Take-Two raised its fiscal 2026 guidance, now projecting net revenue between $6.38 billion and $6.48 billion, up from the previous forecast of $6.10 billion to $6.20 billion. The company also anticipates record net bookings for fiscal 2027, likely banking on the eventual release of Grand Theft Auto VI. However, investors seemed more focused on the near-term impact of the delayed launch, which has been a primary catalyst for the stock.

Rockstar Games, the Take-Two studio behind the Grand Theft Auto franchise, stated, "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." While the commitment to quality may be appreciated by gaming enthusiasts, the market's reaction indicates concern over the extended timeline and potential impact on Take-Two's financial performance in the interim.