Grand Theft Auto VI” Release Delayed Until Spring 2026
Rockstar Games, the publisher of the hugely popular “Grand Theft Auto” series, has pushed back the release date of “Grand Theft Auto 6” to May 26, 2026. The new launch date falls on the Tuesday after Memorial Day in the United States. While the company had previously aimed for a fall 2025 release, it had not confirmed an exact date until now.
“We understand this is later than many of you anticipated, and we sincerely apologize,” Rockstar said in a statement on Friday. “The enthusiasm and passion for the next Grand Theft Auto have been incredibly inspiring for our entire team.
We truly value your ongoing support and patience as we complete the final stages of development.”
The publisher went on to say, “Our aim with every title has always been to surpass your expectations, and ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ is no different. We hope you understand that this additional time is necessary to ensure we deliver the high-quality experience you rightfully anticipate and deserve.”
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
GTA 6” represents the first major release in the fast-paced, action-packed series in more than a decade. The game features Lucia, the franchise’s first female lead character, and is set in Vice City-a location inspired by Miami that was previously featured in the 2002 title “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.”
Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, had been informing both “GTA” fans and investors that the highly anticipated title was expected to launch this fall. However, the company had consistently refrained from providing an exact release date.
We’ve shared a fairly specific timeframe [for ‘GTA 6‘], and at this point, we believe that’s sufficient,”
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick told Variety in February.
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Rockstar Games
Rockstar has not yet disclosed the pricing for “GTA 6.” The fifth main installment of the franchise, released in 2013, continues to be one of the most successful live-service games in the industry. “GTA V” has sold over 200 million copies and generated more than $8 billion in revenue since its release.
“We wholeheartedly support Rockstar Games in taking the additional time necessary to realize their creative vision for ‘Grand Theft Auto VI‘-a thrilling, groundbreaking game that is sure to surpass the expectations of its audience,” said Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two, in a statement on Friday.
Although we regard release schedule changes with seriousness and acknowledge the immense global anticipation for ‘GTA VI,’ we remain firmly committed to delivering excellence. As we continue launching our outstanding lineup, we expect to enter a period of sustained growth and increased value for our shareholders.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Zelnick will be expected to provide more insight into Rockstar’s decision to push back the release of “GTA 6” during Take-Two’s upcoming quarterly earnings call on May 15.
The delay follows a similar move by Ubisoft, which postponed the launch of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” twice due to concerns over quality during development. While those delays drew criticism at the time, the game ultimately launched in March to strong reviews and robust sales.
PlayStation GTA 6
Rockstar’s decision to delay “GTA 6” also occurs during a period of economic uncertainty, with concerns increasing over the potential effects of President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on various sectors, including the gaming industry. In response, companies such as Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation have started adjusting their pricing strategies.
Meanwhile, Take-Two’s next significant release is “Borderlands 4” from Gearbox and 2K, now set to arrive on September 12, 2025-11 days earlier than its previously announced date.
Video Game Launch
GTA 6″ is widely anticipated to break sales records upon its release, with the potential to outperform its predecessor, which holds the title for the most successful video game launch in history. Over the past two years, the global gaming industry has faced numerous challenges, including widespread studio closures and layoffs.
There was optimism that a new Rockstar title could spark renewed interest in gaming and potentially boost console sales. That said, the delay may open the door for other publishers-previously hesitant to announce new titles due to the looming “GTA 6” launch-to bring their games to market before the end of the year .
