GTA 6 Delayed: Rockstar Confirms New Release Date in May 2026

The long-awaited release of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) has officially been delayed, with Take-Two Interactive announcing a new launch date set for May 2026. Originally expected to be the biggest gaming release of 2025, the game’s delay has disappointed fans worldwide and caused a 10% drop in the company’s stock—the sharpest decline in over two years.

GTA 6 has already missed multiple internal deadlines. In a statement cited by Bloomberg, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick emphasized the importance of creative freedom, saying, “We fully support Rockstar Games taking the additional time to realize their creative vision for GTA VI, which promises to be a groundbreaking entertainment experience.”

The company also reaffirmed its dedication to quality, stating, “We take our release timelines seriously and deeply value the anticipation surrounding GTA VI. However, we remain committed to delivering an exceptional product.”

Official Rockstar Statement

Rockstar Games also issued a formal apology on its website:

"Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to release on May 26, 2026. We are truly sorry for the delay. The enthusiasm and support from our fans has been humbling. We thank you for your patience as we continue working to deliver the game at the highest level of quality."

They added, "With every release, we strive to exceed expectations, and this project is no different. We’ll share more updates soon."

The Business of GTA

GTA VI is a major pillar for Take-Two’s business. Its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, has sold over 210 million copies, making it the second best-selling game of all time after Minecraft, and generating roughly $9 billion in revenue.

Despite the delay, the company projects strong revenue for 2026 and 2027, bolstered by upcoming titles like Borderlands 4 and Mafia: The Old Country. Industry analyst Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities stated, “People may be reacting negatively now, but when GTA VI drops, it’ll be at least 50% profit. The money’s coming—just slightly later.”

Why the Delay?

Development of GTA VI has been underway since 2014, but major progress began post-Red Dead Redemption II in 2018. Staff changes, a shift toward healthier working conditions, and a 2022 leak of early gameplay footage have all impacted the timeline.

Analysts, including Matthew Ball of Epyllion, believe the delay could stem from additional polishing, content expansion, or strategic shifts in the launch plan. There is also speculation that GTA VI’s online mode may be released alongside the main game this time.

Rockstar has confirmed the game will be set in a fictionalized version of Miami and will feature two protagonists, reportedly inspired by the infamous duo Bonnie and Clyde. The company has also adopted a more inclusive approach, steering away from controversial humor targeting minority communities—a shift from past titles.