Rockstar Games has officially delayed the release of "Grand Theft Auto VI" to May 26, 2026. The game was previously scheduled for a fall 2025 launch, meaning fans will now have to wait approximately six additional months for what is widely considered the most anticipated title in video gaming history.
Rockstar addressed fans directly in their statement, acknowledging the disappointment: "We are very sorry that this is later than you expected. 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."
The delay has already had financial consequences for parent company Take-Two Interactive, whose shares tumbled 8% in early trading following the announcement. The GTA franchise represents the crown jewel in Take-Two's portfolio, with "Grand Theft Auto V" having sold over 200 million copies since its 2013 release.Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed support for the development team's decision: "We support fully Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto VI, which promises to be a groundbreaking blockbuster entertainment experience."
This marks a shift from Zelnick's February statements when he indicated confidence in the fall 2025 window, while acknowledging that "there's always a risk of slippage."
The postponement pushes the game's release beyond Take-Two's fiscal 2026 and into 2027, likely affecting booking expectations. However, the company has reiterated expectations for sequential increases in net bookings for both fiscal years, with other major titles like "Borderlands 4" and "Mafia: The Old Country" still on track.
Industry analysts note that the delay creates breathing room for other major releases planned for late 2025, including EA's Battlefield, Bungie's Marathon, and Sony's Ghost of Yotei. Nintendo's Switch 2 launch might also benefit from reduced competition.
The first trailer for GTA VI, released in December 2023, has already generated massive interest with over 100 million views in its first 24 hours. The game will return to Vice City, Rockstar's fictional version of Miami, and will feature the franchise's first female protagonist, Lucia, in what appears to be a modern-day Bonnie-and-Clyde narrative.
More information about the game is expected; follow us on social media.