Rockstar Games has officially confirmed what many had feared: Grand Theft Auto VI will no longer launch in Fall 2025. Instead, the highly anticipated title is now slated for release on May 26, 2026, according to a statement from parent company Take-Two Interactive during its latest earnings call.
While the news comes as a disappointment to fans eagerly counting down to a 2025 release, Rockstar says the delay is necessary to ensure the game meets the “exceptionally high expectations” of its global audience.
Why the Delay?
During the earnings call, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick reaffirmed the studio’s dedication to quality, stating that Rockstar will take the time it needs to deliver the best version of the game possible. This decision came even as the company’s stock dropped nearly 11% following the announcement—showing just how significant GTA VI is to both fans and investors.
This isn’t the first time Rockstar has delayed a major release. Red Dead Redemption 2 also saw multiple delays before launching to critical and commercial acclaim. Given Rockstar’s track record, many industry insiders believe the extra development time will pay off, leading to a more polished, stable, and expansive experience at launch.
What We Know About GTA 6 So Far
Despite the delay, Rockstar has already revealed some key details about the game. GTA VI will launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with no confirmed PC version at release—following a pattern established by previous Rockstar titles.
Set in the fictional state of Leonida—a stand-in for Florida—the game will prominently feature Vice City, Rockstar’s neon-soaked version of Miami. The narrative centers on a criminal duo reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde, including Lucia, who will be the first female protagonist in the series since the early 2000s.
This setting opens the door for a wild variety of locales: from city nightlife and suburban sprawl to swamps, beaches, and the Everglades-inspired wilderness. Leaks and analysis of the debut trailer suggest that GTA VI will explore themes like social media obsession, criminal enterprise, and modern American culture through Rockstar’s signature satirical lens.
What the Delay Means for the Industry
The push to May 2026 has had ripple effects across the gaming industry. Competing publishers are reportedly adjusting their own release schedules to avoid clashing with what’s expected to be a cultural and commercial juggernaut. Several Fall 2025 titles may now be moved forward or delayed to dodge the GTA VI spotlight.
Financial analysts also predict that GTA VI will break sales records, with potential day-one revenues surpassing $1 billion, similar to what GTA V accomplished in 2013. That game has since gone on to sell over 210 million copies, making it the second best-selling video game of all time behind Minecraft.
Looking Ahead
While May 2026 may feel far off, the extra wait could be what separates a good game from a legendary one. Rockstar’s history suggests they won’t settle for less than groundbreaking, and GTA VI looks poised to redefine open-world gaming yet again.
In the meantime, fans can expect more trailers, teasers, and details to drop throughout 2025 as Rockstar ramps up its marketing campaign. If history is any indication, the next chapter in the Grand Theft Auto saga will be well worth the wait.
Key Takeaways
- New official release date: May 2026, replacing the previously expected Fall 2025 launch.
- Platforms remain unchanged: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
- Rockstar cites the need for additional polish and quality assurance as reasons for the delay.
Release Date and Availability
Rockstar Games has now confirmed that GTA VI will release in May 2026. This is a delay from the previous Fall 2025 estimate, which had been reaffirmed multiple times until early 2025. The move underscores Rockstar’s focus on quality and ensuring a smooth launch across supported platforms.
Announced Release Schedule
With the updated May 2026 release window, Grand Theft Auto VI will arrive nearly 13 years after its predecessor. This marks the longest gap between mainline entries in the franchise’s history, but it also reflects the game’s ambitious scale and Rockstar’s dedication to innovation in open-world design.
