Few games in history have generated as much hype as Grand Theft Auto VI. Ever since Rockstar Games dropped the first trailer in December 2023, fans have been eagerly awaiting more information, especially a confirmed release date. While that trailer promised a 2025 launch, speculation, leaks, and silence from Rockstar created uncertainty. Now, we finally have a concrete answer.
On May 2, 2025, Rockstar Games officially confirmed that GTA 6 has been delayed. The new release date is now set for May 26, 2026, giving fans a definitive target for one of the most anticipated video games of all time.
Rockstar Confirms GTA 6 Delay With New Release Date
The announcement came via Rockstar’s official social media channels, just ahead of Take-Two Interactive’s next earnings call. In a public statement, Rockstar acknowledged the delay and thanked fans for their patience and support. Here’s what the team had to say:
“Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to release on May 26, 2026.
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… We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”
This message aligns with Rockstar’s long-standing reputation for prioritizing quality and polish, even if it means pushing back a game’s release.
What Caused the GTA 6 Delay?
While Rockstar didn’t give specific reasons for the delay, several factors are likely at play. Game development on the scale of GTA 6 is immensely complex. With massive open worlds, motion capture, voice acting, and online infrastructure to manage, delays are common, and often necessary to avoid a rushed launch.
Insiders suggest the team is in the final stages of development, focusing on polishing the gameplay, optimizing performance, and squashing bugs. It’s also possible that elements like story pacing, mission design, or even cut content are still being refined to meet Rockstar’s famously high standards.
Given the silence over the past year, fans had already begun to brace for a delay, especially after Take-Two hinted at a late-2025 release during a 2024 financial briefing. With May 2026 now confirmed, Rockstar appears confident that development is back on track.
GTA 6’s First Trailer and Early Speculation
The first official GTA 6 trailer, which was released in December 2023 (a day early due to a leak), ended with a “Coming 2025” message. That brief look at the game introduced players to the fictional state of Leonida and its two lead characters, Lucia and a male character rumored to be named Jason.
Since then, fans have been dissecting every frame and speculating about everything from gameplay mechanics to release windows. Rumors of a second trailer have circulated for months, with many expecting it to drop once a final release date was announced, which now opens the door for more reveals in the coming months.
Marketing Plans, Platforms, and Online Play
With a confirmed launch window, Rockstar’s marketing campaign is expected to ramp up. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick recently stated that GTA 6 will be marketed “relatively close to release,” suggesting a late 2025 or early 2026 media push.
As for platforms, GTA 6 is confirmed to be a current-gen exclusive, launching on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. A PC release is likely, but if Rockstar follows past trends, it may come a year later.
At launch, the game is expected to focus on single-player story mode, with GTA Online 2, or whatever Rockstar decides to call the next evolution of online multiplayer, arriving weeks or months afterward. This staggered release model worked well with GTA V and may help ensure a smoother rollout.
What’s Next for GTA 6 Fans?
While delays are always disappointing, this update brings clarity. Rockstar’s careful wording (“now set to release”) suggests a strong commitment to the May 2026 date, but fans know from experience that nothing is set in stone. Still, the extra year gives the developers the time they need to deliver what could be the most ambitious GTA title ever.
Fans can expect a second trailer and more information about GTA 6’s story, gameplay, and characters in the near future. In the meantime, the next major update may come during Take-Two’s earnings call on May 15, where executives are likely to address the delay and offer further insight.
Mark Your Calendars: GTA 6 Launches May 26, 2026
The countdown is officially on. After years of speculation, leaks, and fan theories, we now have a solid release date for Grand Theft Auto VI. Rockstar’s legacy is built on delivering unforgettable open-world experiences, and they clearly want GTA 6 to exceed the sky-high expectations.
Until then, stay tuned for more updates, including trailer two, deep dives into Leonida, and new details on Lucia and Jason’s story.
