Rockstar Games has officially pushed back the release of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) to May 26, 2026. The highly anticipated sequel, which was initially set for a 2025 release, will now be available a year later on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Rockstar Speaks Out
In a concise but sincere message posted on social media, Rockstar apologized to gamers. “We are deeply sorry that this is later than anticipated,” the message started. “The enthusiasm surrounding GTA 6 has been overwhelming. We appreciate your patience while we complete the game.”
Rockstar reinforced its dedication to quality. “With each release, our intention is to surpass expectations. GTA 6 is no different.”
Why the Delay?
The postponement didn’t happen overnight. Rumors of a potential delay had been circulating for months. In spite of repeated denials by Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, doubts were mounting.
In February 2025, Take-Two was adamant the game was still on schedule for a fall 2025 release. As late as March, CEO Strauss Zelnick was being guarded, stating the company would rather release information nearer to launch to control hype and expectations.
Between the lines, that guard now reads as prescience.
Financial Timing and Industry Impact
Rockstar’s news comes just ahead of Take-Two’s financial results report, due May 15, 2025. The timing implies the company was trying to beat investor anxiety.
The new date is also having an impact on the wider gaming industry. Rival studios are now also changing their own timetables. EA, for instance, suggested it would postpone the next Battlefield game if “things that are going on in the year” make late 2025 a tricky time.
Sony also did not confirm Ghost of Yōtei until the end of April, waiting perhaps to stay out of the way of GTA 6.
What We Know About the Game
Even with the delay, anticipation is still through the roof. GTA 6 is happening in a contemporary version of Vice City, which is the fantasy version of Miami used by Rockstar. It will have a Bonnie and Clyde-flavored couple as the protagonists, according to early leaks.
Rockstar unveiled its first and sole trailer for GTA 6 in December 2023. Since that time, followers have been eagerly anticipating new gameplay footage or details, but these weren’t given with this delay announcement.
The Bigger Picture
GTA 6 development was originally announced in 2022. Acording to reporting, Rockstar reduced the game’s original scope. It is done to facilitate a less bumpy development process and make room for post-launch world expansion.
Despite the delay, most view the shift as a good thing. Rockstar has high standards, and fans largely concur that quality is better than speed.
What’s Next?
For the time being, players will have to wait patiently. Rockstar guarantees to provide further updates “soon.” Until that time, May 26, 2026, is the date that every GTA fan has marked on their calendar.
The message is clear: GTA 6 is coming—just not as soon as we’d hoped.
