GTA 6 delayed until 2026, reports claim

Rockstar Games has officially postponed the release of Grand Theft Auto VI to May 26, 2026, pushing back its originally scheduled fall 2025 launch window.

Rockstar Issues Statement on GTA 6 Delay

In a public statement, Rockstar apologized for the substantial delay—a highly anticipated release projected to become the biggest entertainment launch in history.

"We sincerely regret that the wait will be longer than anticipated," Rockstar stated. "The overwhelming excitement for a new Grand Theft Auto title has been deeply humbling for our entire team. We appreciate your support and patience as we work toward completing the game."

"Our goal with every release is to surpass expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception. We believe this additional time is necessary to meet the standards of excellence our fans deserve."

"We look forward to sharing more updates in the near future."

GTA 6 Trailer 2 Still Awaiting Release

While Rockstar's announcement confirms the May 2026 release date, no new gameplay footage or trailers were provided, meaning fans must continue waiting for a second official look at the game. Notably, the statement also omitted details about launch platforms, fueling speculation about a potential simultaneous PC release alongside PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick previously addressed concerns over the game’s original 2025 window, saying in February, "There’s always a risk of delays, and we avoid absolute certainty to prevent jinxing things. That said, we were very confident in our timeline."

Following today’s delay announcement, Zelnick reaffirmed his support for Rockstar’s decision in a statement to investors:

"We fully stand behind Rockstar Games’ choice to extend development time for Grand Theft Auto VI, ensuring it delivers on its promise as a groundbreaking, blockbuster experience that exceeds audience expectations."

"While we take release schedules seriously and recognize the immense global anticipation for this title, we remain committed to quality above all. As we continue executing our robust pipeline, we anticipate strong multi-year growth and enhanced shareholder value."

How Will the Delay Impact the Gaming Industry?

The postponement leaves fall 2025 wide open for major competing titles, potentially benefiting upcoming releases such as:

• Gearbox’s Borderlands 4
• EA’s Battlefield reboot
• Bungie’s Marathon
• Sony’s Ghost of Yotei

Nintendo, preparing its Switch 2 launch, may also gain an advantage with less direct competition. However, games originally scheduled for mid-2026 may now face increased pressure to adjust their release strategies.