Rockstar Games has officially delayed Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) to May 26, 2026, pushing back what was expected to be one of the most anticipated entertainment launches of all time. Originally slated for Fall 2025, the delay shifts the release out of the current fiscal year and sends shockwaves through an industry that had begun to plan around its arrival.
In a heartfelt statement, Rockstar addressed fans directly.
“We are very sorry that this is later than you expected,” they said, trying to explain why GTA 6 was delayed. “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.”
A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games
“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,” the developer continued. “We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”
No new assets were released alongside the announcement—meaning a second game trailer is still missing in action—and Rockstar remained silent on launch platforms. That silence is already fueling speculation that GTA 6 could launch on PC alongside PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games
The delay doesn’t come entirely out of nowhere. Back in February, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar’s parent company Take-Two Interactive, gave a carefully worded response when asked by IGN whether the original 2025 date was locked.
“Look, there’s always a risk of slippage,” he said, “and I think as soon as you say words like ‘absolutely,’ you jinx things… So we feel really good about it.”
Apparently not good enough.
Fallout for the Industry
With GTA 6 now delayed and off the calendar for the rest of 2025, a number of major releases are suddenly breathing easier. Titles like Borderlands 4, Battlefield, Ghost of Yotei, and Marathon now have far more room to make a splash in the back half of the year. Nintendo, preparing the launch of the Switch 2—will also benefit from the reduced competition.
A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games
However, the delay may be a disaster for other studios and publishers who were rushing to release ahead of Rockstar’s juggernaut. Several may now be stuck with aggressive timelines and no longer have to worry about going toe-to-toe with GTA 6—but also may find themselves fighting for consumer attention in an awkward in-between year.
What Comes Next?
While Rockstar’s statement confirms a solid release date, fans will now turn their attention to the next trailer. Expectations for GTA 6 remain sky-high after the record-breaking first trailer, which has already crossed 190 million views on YouTube.
A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games
Until then, fans and developers alike will be recalibrating. May 2026 is now the new deadline for what may be the biggest entertainment release in history—and Rockstar knows all eyes will be on them to deliver.
How do you feel about GTA 6 being delayed? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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