The Best Buy Leak Was Wrong — But Wednesday Changes Everything for GTA 6

The gaming world is abuzz with anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6. Rumors and leaks have been the norm, but one event in particular has captured everyone's attention: the alleged Best Buy pre-order leak. Although quickly debunked, this incident and the imminent Take-Two Interactive earnings call promise to bring clarity to the future of the decade's most awaited title.

The Best Buy Leak: Hype and Reality

Recently, an affiliate email from Best Buy circulated, suggesting that GTA 6 pre-orders would begin on May 18, 2026. The news caused an instant frenzy, leading to a $2 billion surge in Take-Two Interactive's market value. However, the pre-order date proved to be incorrect. Despite the debunking, the incident underscored the unprecedented demand for GTA 6 and the impact that any news — official or not — can have on the market.

Take-Two's Earnings Call: Where the Truth Will Be Revealed

With the Best Buy leak now in the past, all eyes turn to Take-Two Interactive's quarterly earnings call, scheduled for May 21. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two, will be in the spotlight to address speculation and provide official updates on GTA 6's status. This is the opportunity for the company to clarify the situation and, potentially, kick off the long-awaited marketing campaign.

What to Expect from the Earnings Call

The earnings call is a crucial moment for investors and fans alike. Here is what we can reasonably anticipate:

• Release Date: Reaffirmation of November 19 — a third delay is virtually off the table.
• Marketing: Confirmation that the campaign is starting "in the coming weeks," possibly with a hint at Trailer 3.
• Pre-orders: Acknowledgment of "retail activity" or "marketplace preparation" — an exact date is unlikely.
• FY2027 Guidance: Record bookings guidance baking in a November launch — the strongest possible financial signal.
• GTA 6 Online: A general reference to the long-term engagement model, nothing specific.
• PC Release: A vague reference to "additional platforms in the future" — no date expected.

Decoding Zelnick's Language

Understanding the nuances of Zelnick's statements is crucial for reading between the lines:

• "On track" — Nothing has changed; marketing is coming but no urgency.
• "Feel very good" — Strong internal confidence; marketing imminent.
• "We continue to target" — Softer than "confirmed"; watch for hedging in the follow-up.
• "I'm not going to get ahead of Rockstar" — Something is planned that he doesn't want to spoil on an earnings call.
• "We're not providing further specifics" — Could be neutral (standard corporate) or strategic (announcement incoming).
• Record FY2027 guidance issued — Strongest possible signal; a financial commitment to the SEC.

The Best Buy leak, though false, demonstrated the raw power of the GTA brand and the anxiety of its fanbase. Rockstar Games has maintained absolute silence — a tactic that reinforces its iron grip over game information. With Take-Two's earnings call approaching, the expectation is that this silence will finally be broken. Pre-orders are inevitable, and the infrastructure for the launch is already being built. The question is not if, but when — and May 21 is the next major milestone the gaming world will be watching closely.

Source: GTA BOOM