Global Anticipation Meets Another Setback

GLOBAL – Rockstar Games, the developer of the critically acclaimed Grand Theft Auto series, announced on Thursday, November 6, 2025, that the release of its highly anticipated title, 'Grand Theft Auto VI' (GTA VI), has been postponed again to November 19, 2026. The announcement marks the second major delay for the game, which was initially slated for a fall 2025 release before being pushed to May 2026. In a statement posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) at approximately 11:00 PM EAT, the company said, "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 news immediately impacted the financial markets. Shares of Take-Two Interactive (TTWO), Rockstar Games' parent company, fell by more than 7% in after-hours trading on the NASDAQ exchange following the announcement. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed support for Rockstar's decision, stating, "We feel really good about this release date... we're really supportive of Rockstar's approach."

Protests Erupt Over 'Union Busting' Allegations

The delay was announced against a backdrop of significant labour unrest. On the same day, dozens of workers and supporters held protests outside Rockstar North's studio in Edinburgh, Scotland, and Take-Two's offices in London. The demonstrations were organized by the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) following the firing of 31 employees on October 30, 2025. The union has labeled the dismissals as "the most blatant and ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry," alleging the employees were targeted for discussing unionization in a private chat group.

Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive have strongly denied these claims. A company spokesperson stated the terminations were due to "gross misconduct" and that the individuals were found to be "distributing and discussing confidential information in a public forum, a violation of our company policies." The company insisted the firings were "in no way related to people's right to join a union or engage in union activities." The IWGB has vowed to fight for the reinstatement of the dismissed workers.

Implications for Kenya's Growing Gaming Scene

For Kenya's burgeoning video game community, the delay is a significant event. The Grand Theft Auto franchise is one of the most popular in the world, and its previous installment, GTA V, has maintained an active player base in Kenya since its 2013 release. The delay means local fans, who form a significant part of the console and PC gaming market, will have to wait longer for a title that is a major cultural and entertainment touchstone.

The economic impact is also a key consideration. Kenya's video game market is on a sharp upward trajectory, generating an estimated $46 million (approx. KSh 6 billion) in 2021, with projections for a compound annual growth rate of 12.3% between 2025 and 2031. While mobile gaming dominates this revenue, there is a dedicated and growing market for high-end console and PC games. New AAA titles like GTA VI often retail for the equivalent of US$70-$100 in Kenya, representing a significant purchase for consumers. This delay could affect purchasing decisions and the sales forecasts for local electronics retailers and game distributors who plan inventory around such blockbuster releases.

Furthermore, the delay could have ripple effects in the local esports and content creation scenes. Major game launches often spur growth in streaming on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, and fuel competitive tournaments. Kenyan gamers and entrepreneurs who have been building communities and business models in anticipation of a 2025 or early 2026 release will now need to adjust their timelines and content strategies. Despite the wait, the anticipation for GTA VI remains exceptionally high, ensuring that whenever it does launch, its arrival will be a major event for the global and Kenyan gaming landscapes alike.