Grand Theft Auto VI delayed until May 2026

Grand Theft Auto VI Delayed Until 2026, Rockstar Cites Quality Standards

Fans of the long-running and wildly popular Grand Theft Auto franchise will have to wait even longer for the next installment. Rockstar Games announced on Friday that the release of Grand Theft Auto VI has been postponed until May 26, 2026, pushing the launch back from its previously expected release in autumn 2025.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Rockstar acknowledged the disappointment the delay may cause but emphasized the importance of maintaining their high standards.

“With every game we have released, the goal has been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception,” the company said. “We hope you understand we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”

The delay marks another setback for a title that has been highly anticipated for years. Speculation about the release of GTA VI has swirled since at least 2021, with fans hoping for a launch in 2024, then 2025. The news wasn’t unexpected for many—but still stung.

Shares of Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive, dropped nearly 7% on the day the delay was announced.

Take-Two Stands by Rockstar

Strauss Zelnick, chairman and CEO of Take-Two Interactive Software, issued a public statement backing Rockstar’s decision. He reiterated the company’s support for giving its studios the creative space and time needed to deliver exceptional products.

“While we take the movement of our titles seriously and appreciate the vast and deep global anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI, we remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence,” said Zelnick. “As we continue to release our phenomenal pipeline, we expect to deliver a multi-year period of growth in our business and enhanced value for our shareholders.”

Zelnick reinforced that despite the delay, expectations remain sky-high for GTA VI, calling it a “groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience.”

Fan Reaction: A Mix of Shrugs and Hope

In online forums such as Reddit, longtime fans of the series responded to the news with a mix of resigned humor and cautious optimism. Many noted that this kind of delay has become somewhat expected in the gaming industry—especially with major titles like GTA.

One user wrote, “At this point, I’ll believe it when I’m installing it.” Others pointed out that a firm release date is at least a sign that the end is in sight. “At least we have a date now,” another fan commented. “That’s more than we’ve had in years.”

What We Know So Far

The buzz around GTA VI hit a peak in December 2023, when a much-anticipated trailer was leaked online, prompting Rockstar to officially release it 15 hours earlier than planned. The 90-second clip gave fans a first glimpse at the setting—a modern-day Vice City, inspired by Miami—and teased the franchise’s first female protagonist, a character named Lucia.

The trailer’s slick visuals and dynamic scenes sparked excitement across social media and gaming communities, confirming that Rockstar is pushing both technological boundaries and narrative innovation.

However, with the release now pushed into mid-2026, it’s unclear whether those elements—Vice City, Lucia, or the storyline teased in the trailer—will remain intact or undergo changes in the extra development time.

A Familiar Pattern

Rockstar is known for taking its time with major releases, and GTA VI is no exception. The last mainline game in the series, Grand Theft Auto V, launched in 2013 and has since become one of the best-selling games of all time, bolstered by the ongoing success of GTA Online.

While fans are understandably eager for the next chapter, many also recognize Rockstar’s track record of quality and innovation. If the past is any indication, the wait might just be worth it.

As it stands, all eyes are now on May 26, 2026—a date that fans hope will finally mark the arrival of one of the most anticipated games in history.

Would you like a visual timeline of the major milestones in GTA VI’s development and announcements?