GTA VI Delayed: Rockstar Pushes Release to May 2026

It’s official: Grand Theft Auto VI won’t be arriving in 2025 after all. Rockstar Games has pushed the release date to May 26, 2026, confirming what many had feared — the most anticipated game of the decade is going to take a little longer.

In a heartfelt message to fans, Rockstar acknowledged the disappointment and explained that the delay was necessary to deliver the level of quality players have come to expect from the GTA franchise.

“We are very sorry that this is later than you expected,” the statement read. “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 studio emphasized that GTA 6 is being built to exceed expectations — and that delivering something truly great takes time. No new trailers or gameplay details were shared with the update, leaving fans still waiting for that elusive second trailer. Rockstar also remained quiet on what platforms the game will launch on, sparking fresh speculation about a potential PC release alongside the expected PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions.

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, who had previously sounded optimistic about a 2025 release, supported the delay in a new statement to investors on May 2. “We fully support Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for GTA 6, which promises to be a groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience that exceeds audience expectations.”

For many gamers, this delay is a letdown — especially after years of hype, leaks, and teasers. But the silver lining is clear: Rockstar wants to get this right. And if past titles are anything to go by, the extra time may well be worth the wait.

On the industry side, the delay opens up the second half of 2025 for other major titles. Games like Borderlands 4, Battlefield, Marathon, and Ghost of Yotei — previously set to launch in GTA’s shadow — now have room to breathe. Nintendo, gearing up for the launch of its new Switch console, might also benefit from the reshuffled calendar.

Still, not everyone’s celebrating. Developers who rushed to beat GTA 6 to market might now find themselves awkwardly positioned, while any studio with a game set for May 2026 now has a tough choice to make.

For fans, it’s another year of waiting — but it’s also a promise that when GTA 6 finally does land, it’ll be everything we’ve been hoping for.