Grand Theft Auto 6 has encountered a delay, moving its anticipated release from Fall 2025 to a confirmed launch date of May 26, 2026. While some fans expressed surprise at the announcement, many employees at Rockstar Games reportedly viewed the initial timeline as unfeasible. Earlier this year, Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, reassured fans that GTA 6 was on schedule for a late 2025 release, but developers had concerns about the game’s readiness by that time.
Concerns Over Initial 2025 Launch
This information was shared by Jason Schreier, a reporter from Bloomberg, who remarked on the delay announcement via social media. According to Schreier, Rockstar employees were aware for some time that meeting the original release window was unlikely.
“Nobody I’ve talked to at Rockstar has believed Fall 2025 was a real window for a very long time now,” Schreier stated in a post on Bluesky following the delay announcement. He added that the development timeline was hindered by “too much work, not enough time, and a real desire from management to avoid brutal crunch.” He suggested that the game’s delay to 2026 had seemed inevitable for months.
Nobody I’ve talked to at Rockstar has believed Fall 2025 was a real window for a very long time now. Too much work, not enough time, and what appears to be a real desire from management to avoid brutal crunch. GTA VI slipping to 2026 has seemed inevitable for months if not longer
— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier.bsky.social) May 2, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Schreier’s comments signal that considerable additional development time is anticipated for GTA 6 before its launch. He also suggested that the newly announced release date could potentially be postponed further. Fans should be prepared for this possibility, given that previous Rockstar titles, such as Red Dead Redemption 2, have experienced multiple delays before their eventual launches.
In addition to ensuring the game’s quality, Rockstar seems committed to avoiding the practice of “crunch,” a term that refers to the intense overtime work that often occurs in the lead-up to a game’s release. Schreier previously reported in 2022 that the studio aimed to eliminate such practices and create a more inclusive workplace environment. The focus on a healthier work-life balance would likely extend the development timeline for GTA 6 compared to earlier entries in the series.
In its official announcement on Friday, Rockstar confirmed the delay and provided the new release date for the highly anticipated game. “We are very sorry that this is later than you expected. The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team. We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game,” the developer stated.
The studio emphasized the need for additional time to ensure that GTA 6 meets the quality standards expected by fans. The game is set to be released on PS5 and Xbox Series S/X on May 26, 2026.
