GTA 6 Release Delayed Before Announcement

Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), but fans will have to wait longer than expected. The game is now set to launch in 2026. Read on to discover more about this decision and how it impacts other upcoming titles.

GTA 6 Release Date Announced

Official Launch Set for May 26, 2026

Since the debut of its first trailer, Grand Theft Auto VI has remained one of the most anticipated games in the industry. After years of minimal updates, Rockstar Games finally revealed the official release date—though not exactly what many fans were hoping for.

On May 2, Rockstar Games took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that GTA 6 will arrive on May 26, 2026. This came as a surprise, especially after Take-Two Interactive expressed confidence during their Q3 2025 earnings call that the game would launch in Fall 2025.

The developer apologized for the delay, thanking players for their patience while they continue polishing the experience. They stated, "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve." More details are expected to be shared in the near future.

Take-Two Fully Backs Rockstar’s Decision

Take-Two Interactive fully supports Rockstar Games’ extended development timeline for GTA 6. In a statement released on May 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed his full endorsement of the delay.

He said, "We support fully Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto VI, which promises to be a groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience that exceeds audience expectations."

This shift aligns with previous adjustments across their lineup. Just last week, Gearbox Entertainment moved Borderlands 4 up by two weeks. While some speculated the change was tied to GTA 6, Gearbox denied any connection.

Regardless of shifting schedules, Take-Two remains focused on delivering high-quality experiences. They added, "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."

Devolver Digital Stands Firm on Releasing a Game Alongside GTA 6

In response to GTA 6's new release date, Devolver Digital confirmed that it will still launch a game on May 26, 2026, the same day as GTA 6. The publisher tweeted on May 2, "You can’t escape us," reaffirming its commitment to releasing a title alongside Rockstar's flagship game.

Back in March, Devolver Digital teased that a game would drop simultaneously with GTA 6, though the specific title has yet to be revealed. Potential candidates include sequels to popular franchises like Cult of the Lambs, Enter the Gungeon, or Hotline Miami, or even an entirely new IP.

Meanwhile, several other studios reportedly plan to avoid competing directly with GTA 6. According to The Game Business Show, anonymous executives admitted they’re willing to delay their own releases to steer clear of Rockstar’s massive launch.

Despite the delay, excitement around GTA 6 remains sky-high. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment in Rockstar’s legendary open-world series. Grand Theft Auto VI is currently scheduled to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on May 26, 2026.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the release!