Why Take-Two will have a strong year even without GTA 6

Rockstar has officially pushed back the release of Grand Theft Auto VI to May 26, 2026. It would seem that this should be a blow to parent company Take-Two – after all, it’s the GTA series that brings in the bulk of its revenue. But in 2025, it’s a different story: the publisher is ready for this scenario, and is already building one of the busiest gaming seasons in its history.

Yes, it’s impossible to replace GTA. But the combination of long-awaited sequels and stable sports franchises will guarantee Take-Two strong sales – and could well make 2025 a financially successful year, even without a major hit.

Civilization VII is out – and selling great

The new installment of the strategy game from Sid Meier is already available to buy on every platform from PC to Switch. Despite mixed reviews on Steam and criticism of the interface and basic mechanics, Civilization VII has gotten off to an extremely strong start. According to Game World Observer, it’s the most successfully pre-ordered game in the series’ history.

It’s important to keep in mind that strategy traditionally reveals itself over time. In past installments, it was the DLC that dramatically changed the balance and depth of gameplay. Based on community discussions, fans are looking forward to content updates and are willing to play the base version despite its flaws. All of this makes Civilization VII an important anchor point in 2025 for Take-Two.

Borderlands 4 comes out in September – and it’s a guaranteed hit

Borderlands 4 will go on sale September 12 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC and the new Nintendo Switch 2. It’s been in development for six years, and in that time audiences have had time to get bored. Borderlands 3 was criticized for its weak humor, but sold 22 million copies. And that’s not counting remasters and spin-offs.

Gearbox has promised script improvements and more relatable humor. That could be enough to ensure great sales at launch. GTA’s absence from the release schedule will only play into its hands – Borderlands 4 will be Take-Two’s main headliner in the fall of 2025.

Mafia: The Old Country could be a surprise

Mafia: The Old Country can’t be called a direct hit yet – the series has never been known for its high sales. However, the new installment has potential. It’s a prequel with an emphasis on story, linear structure, and a rejection of mechanics that have plagued past games.

Hangar 13 describes the project as a “narrative crime drama,” and the absence of GTA VI opens up a unique window of attention for the game. Mafia: The Old Country will be released in summer 2025 on PC, Xbox Series and PlayStation 5 – and it has a chance to step out of the shadow of the big releases.

Sports franchises close out the year

In 2025, new installments of NBA 2K26, WWE 2K25 and PGA Tour 2K25 will be released. These series consistently sell millions of copies each year, especially among a wider audience far removed from hardcore gaming. Even without innovation, sports games provide Take-Two with flat revenues and strong quarterly reports.

Take-Two goes to 2026 in a strong position

Although GTA VI is a separate level of popularity and profit, in 2025 Take-Two offers a diverse and powerful portfolio:

• strategy with high potential for DLC;
• long-awaited sequel shooter;
• experimental story adventure;
• three stable sports franchises;

In addition, the company has at least six new games planned for 2026. With that in mind, delaying GTA VI doesn’t seem like a disaster. Take-Two won’t just survive the year – it could spend it with record-breaking results.

The Why Take-Two will have a strong year even without GTA 6 was first published on ITZine.ru.