Take-Two stock surges as GTA VI preorder rumors electrify investors

Shares of Take-Two Interactive Software TTWO surged Thursday after reports suggested preorders for the highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI could begin later this month, reigniting investor enthusiasm around one of the most anticipated entertainment releases in years.

Take-Two shares climbed about 6.7% to $242.21 during trading and were on pace for their largest daily percentage gain since April 9, 2025, according to Dow Jones Market Data.

The rally followed reports tied to a leaked email from Best Buy’s affiliate program that appeared to reference a preorder promotion window for GTA VI beginning May 18 and running through May 21.

The game is being developed and published by Rockstar Games, which is owned by Take-Two Interactive.

Leaked preorder details fuel investor excitement

According to a report by gaming outlet Wccftech, the email sent to Best Buy affiliates outlined a promotional campaign tied to GTA VI preorders.

The email stated that affiliate partners would receive a 5% commission on GTA VI preorders completed through their referral links during the May 18 to May 21 promotional window.

The reports also noted that users on gaming forums claimed they had received similar emails.

While the reports fueled speculation that Take-Two and Rockstar Games may be preparing to officially open preorders soon, the companies did not confirm the information.

A Take-Two spokesperson told Barron’s that the company does not comment on rumors or speculation.

Still, the possibility of imminent preorders was enough to generate strong investor interest, particularly given the enormous anticipation surrounding the game’s release.

GTA VI remains one of gaming’s biggest launches

Grand Theft Auto VI has become one of the most anticipated video game releases ever, following years of development delays and growing online speculation.

The title was originally expected to launch in 2025 before being delayed first to May 2026 and later to Nov. 19, 2026.

The repeated delays have become a running joke across social media, where users frequently reference major global events happening before the game’s eventual release.

Despite the delays, Wall Street continues to expect GTA VI to become a major revenue driver for Take-Two.

Analysts currently project fiscal 2027 revenue of approximately $9.12 billion for the company, representing expected growth of about 36% driven largely by demand for GTA VI.

The growing excitement around the title has also continued lifting investor expectations ahead of Take-Two’s upcoming earnings report.

Earnings report approaches as expectations rise

Take-Two is scheduled to report fiscal fourth-quarter earnings on May 21, coinciding with the rumored preorder campaign window.

Wall Street analysts expect the company to report earnings per share of $0.56 on revenue of approximately $1.55 billion.

During the same period a year earlier, the company reported earnings per share of $1.30 on revenue of $1.58 billion.

Investor focus has increasingly centered less on short-term quarterly performance and more on how GTA VI could shape Take-Two’s long-term financial outlook.

Earlier this month, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged the enormous expectations surrounding the game during an interview with Bloomberg.

“I think here our goal is to deliver to consumers something that's never been experienced before. Being on the sidelines but pretty close to the front of the sidelines is very, very exciting. And terrifying. Because the expectations are so high,” Zelnick said.

With preorder speculation intensifying and investor optimism rising, GTA VI continues to dominate both gaming discussions and Wall Street attention ahead of its planned 2026 launch.