Rockstar Games has announced a delay for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6, now scheduled for release on May 26, 2026. Initially set to launch in Fall 2025, a timeframe repeatedly confirmed by Take-Two Interactive, the announcement comes as part of the excitement generated by the game’s reveal in December 2023. Although fans now have a specific release date, Rockstar has not yet provided any new trailers or screenshots, but has committed to sharing more updates in the near future.
GTA 6 Release Date Confirmed
In its official statement, Rockstar expressed, “Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to release on May 26, 2026.” The developer acknowledged the disappointment that may come with the new timeline, stating, “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.”
Rockstar emphasized the need for additional development time to ensure that GTA 6 meets the high standards synonymous with its games. The delay will likely allow for further refinement of the game before its launch on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X.
“With every game we have released, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception. We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve,” the statement continued. “We look forward to sharing more information with you soon.”
Implications of the Delay
This postponement may be disheartening for fans who have eagerly waited for GTA 6’s launch. The initial trailer, unveiled on December 5, 2023, hinted at a 2025 release, a timeframe that Take-Two further solidified during a quarterly earnings call, a sentiment restated by CEO Strauss Zelnick on multiple occasions.
Recently, Zelnick noted that both Take-Two and Rockstar had opted against releasing extensive information about GTA 6 well in advance in order to sustain excitement for the title. He remarked, “The anticipation for that title may be the greatest anticipation I’ve ever seen for an entertainment property,” adding that they aim to balance marketing with maintaining audience enthusiasm.
With the release date now confirmed, other game developers may adjust their schedules accordingly. Just this week, Gearbox announced it would be moving up the launch of Borderlands 4 by two weeks, now set for September 12, which spurred speculation about their awareness of Rockstar’s release plans, particularly as Gearbox is also under the Take-Two umbrella.
Additionally, Sony has scheduled the launch of its upcoming action-adventure title, Ghost of Yotei, for October 2. With GTA 6’s release now confirmed for 2026, it seems likely that more games from this year will finalize their launch dates soon.
Rockstar’s Track Record with Delays
The potential for a delay had been a concern among fans, especially with Rockstar remaining silent regarding the game’s development. Since the first teaser trailer over 16 months ago, there have been no official communications about a second trailer or any gameplay details.
This type of delay is not unprecedented for Rockstar. Previous entries in the Grand Theft Auto series have also experienced pushbacks. For instance, the release of Grand Theft Auto V was moved from Q2 2013 to September 17, 2013. Similarly, GTA IV’s launch was postponed from October 16, 2007, to April 29, 2008, due to development challenges.
The recent confirmation of a May 2026 release for GTA 6 marks a significant shift from its previously anticipated Fall 2025 timeframe. Enthusiasts can anticipate more details and potentially a second trailer later this year as Rockstar continues its development process.
