Grand Theft Auto VI delayed again: new release date set for May 2026

Reuters

Fans of Rockstar Games' iconic franchise will need to exercise more patience, as the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI has officially been delayed again—this time until May 26, 2026.

In a statement posted Friday on X (formerly Twitter), Rockstar Games announced the revised launch date, pushing back the original release from late 2025. The gaming giant apologized for the delay but emphasized its ongoing commitment to delivering a game that meets—and exceeds—fans' expectations.

“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.”

Why is GTA VI delayed again?

While Rockstar did not offer a specific reason for the delay, industry analysts suggest that the decision likely reflects the studio's relentless pursuit of polish, scale, and innovation. The next installment in the Grand Theft Auto series is expected to feature a massive open-world environment, cutting-edge graphics, and an immersive storyline set in a modern-day Vice City—a fictional take on Miami.

This latest delay marks yet another chapter in the long wait for GTA VI, which was first teased back in 2022 and officially revealed in a record-breaking trailer in December 2023.

Market reaction to the GTA 6 delay

Following the announcement, shares of Take-Two Interactive—Rockstar Games' parent company—fell nearly 7% on Friday, reflecting investor concerns over the financial implications of the delay.

Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO of Take-Two, issued a statement in support of Rockstar’s decision:

“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,” Zelnick said. “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.”

What’s next for Grand Theft Auto fans?

Despite the delay, GTA VI remains one of the most anticipated video games in history. The GTA VI trailer amassed millions of views within hours of release and has been the subject of intense speculation regarding its characters, storyline, and gameplay mechanics.

With a new release date locked in for May 26, 2026, gamers and industry observers alike will be closely monitoring Rockstar’s development updates and potential gameplay previews over the coming year.

For now, the wait continues—but expectations remain sky-high for what could be the most ambitious entry in the Grand Theft Auto franchise yet.

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