Rockstar Games has officially pushed back the release date for Grand Theft Auto VI to May 26, 2026, rescheduling it from its formerly rumored fall 2025 timeline. The firm announced the statement on its official website, marking an important development in the launch of arguably the most-hyped game in recent times.
Rockstar cites quality and player expectations for delay
In a statement posted, Rockstar Games directly spoke to fans, acknowledging their high expectations and reiterating its commitment to quality.
“We are very sorry that this is later than you expected,” the company said. “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.”
Rockstar reinforced its long-held game development philosophy of putting utmost concern on fulfilling and surpassing player expectations. “GTA VI is no different,” the statement went on, highlighting the developer’s choice to take a little more time to provide a finished and top-notch experience.
The delay becomes official, confirming industry speculation
While a particular release date had not been previously announced for 2025, the absence of updates over the last few months had created speculation in the gaming world and among analysts. The official delay to May 2026 now brings clarity and establishes a definite timeline for what many see as a milestone title in gaming.
Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, will report quarterly financials on May 15. Industry analysts anticipate the delay of GTA VI being a key point of discussion in the earnings call as investors and media ask for guidance on the decision and how it might affect Take-Two’s financial outlook.
What we know about Grand Theft Auto VI so far
Though there was limited official confirmation, hype around Grand Theft Auto VI continued to build. Rockstar premiered a teaser trailer in December 2023, announcing that the game would be based in Vice City, a fictional Miami, and the wider state of Leonida. The game’s story will supposedly revolve around Lucia, a female lead engaged in high-level crime with a male business partner.
GTA VI signifies the return of the franchise after over a decade since Grand Theft Auto V debuted in September 2013. The game went on to become one of the highest-selling games of all time, with more than 210 million copies distributed worldwide, data provided by Take-Two reports.
A measured delay in a high-stakes release
Though impatient fans rarely welcome delays, Rockstar’s reputation for releasing high-quality, award-winning games often justifies its conservative development schedule. Thus, delaying GTA VI to May 2026 fits into the company’s prolonged history of quality-driven launches.
With the announcement now public, attention will turn to near-future milestones, such as possible new trailers, gameplay reveals, and the May 15 Take-Two Interactive earnings call.