In a move that has both disappointed and relieved fans, Rockstar Games has officially announced that Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) will not meet its anticipated Fall 2025 release window. Instead, the highly awaited title, also referred to as GTA VI, is now set to launch on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The news, shared via a statement on Rockstar’s official social media, marks a significant GTA 6 delay, pushing back the release by nearly a year.
The announcement comes after months of speculation about when GTA 6 is coming out, with fans eagerly awaiting updates since the first trailer dropped in December 2023. That trailer, which confirmed GTA 6’s setting in the vibrant Vice City within the fictional state of Leonida, had initially promised a 2025 launch. However, Rockstar’s recent statement cites the need for additional development time to ensure the game meets the high standards expected by its global fanbase.
“We are very sorry that this is later than you expected,” Rockstar stated. “The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team. With every game we have released, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception. We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”
A History of High Expectations
Rockstar Games, a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ: TTWO), has a storied history of delivering groundbreaking open-world experiences. Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V), released on September 17, 2013, remains one of the best-selling video games of all time, with over 200 million copies sold. Its predecessor, GTA IV, launched in 2008, further cementing the franchise’s cultural and commercial dominance. The long gap since GTA 5’s release date has only heightened anticipation for GTA 6, making the delay a bitter pill for fans who have waited over a decade for a new installment.
The GTA 6 delay has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans express frustration, pointing to Rockstar’s silence since the 2023 trailer as a source of uncertainty. Others, however, see the delay as a positive step, ensuring the game lives up to its promise of a “highly immersive, story-driven” experience. The game will feature dual protagonists, including Lucia, the franchise’s first female lead, and is expected to introduce enhanced gameplay mechanics, improved AI, and a map twice the size of GTA V’s Los Santos.
Impact on Take-Two and the Industry
The delay has implications beyond the gaming community. Take-Two Interactive’s stock (TTWO) has been closely watched, as GTA VI is expected to be a major revenue driver. While Take-Two had previously reassured investors that GTA 6 was on track for Fall 2025, the shift to 2026 may influence market sentiment. However, Take-Two’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, expressed support for Rockstar’s decision, stating, “We fully support Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto VI.”
The GTA delayed announcement also reshapes the 2025 gaming landscape. Many publishers had been hesitant to commit to release dates, fearing competition with GTA 6. The confirmed GTA VI release date of May 26, 2026, provides clarity, potentially allowing other studios to fill the Fall 2025 window with their titles.
What’s Next for GTA 6?
Rockstar has teased that more information, possibly including a second trailer, will be shared “soon.” Fans are hopeful for updates on gameplay, pricing, and PC release details, as GTA 6 is initially slated for consoles only, with a PC version likely following in 2027, mirroring the staggered rollout of GTA V.
As the GTA6 release date draws closer, the gaming world remains abuzz with speculation. Will Grand Theft Auto 6 redefine the open-world genre as its predecessors did? Only time will tell, but for now, fans must wait a little longer to return to Vice City.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and reflects the latest updates as of May 2, 2025. Release dates and other details are subject to change, and readers are encouraged to verify information through official sources such as Rockstar Games’ website or Take-Two Interactive’s investor reports.