Grand Theft Auto VI pushed to May 2026 amid high expectations

Gamers eager to get their hands on Grand Theft Auto VI will have to wait a little longer—again.

Rockstar Games announced on Friday via X (formerly Twitter) that the release of GTA VI has been officially postponed to May 26, 2026. Originally expected to launch in the fall of this year, the company did not provide a specific reason for the latest delay.

In its statement, Rockstar emphasized its commitment to quality:

“With every game we release, our goal is to exceed your expectations—Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception. We hope you understand we need more time to deliver the level of quality you deserve.”

The delay impacted parent company Take-Two Interactive’s stock, which dropped nearly 7% on Friday following the announcement.

Strauss Zelnick, chairman and CEO of Take-Two, backed Rockstar’s decision to delay the game, stating the company remains focused on delivering a "groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience."

“While we take delays seriously and understand the global anticipation for GTA VI, we stand by our commitment to excellence. We believe our upcoming slate of releases will lead to multiple years of growth and greater value for our shareholders,” Zelnick added.

Fans’ reactions were mixed but largely unsurprised. On Reddit, users expressed everything from disappointment to cautious optimism—many acknowledging that delays have been part of the GTA VI journey for years. Still, some took comfort in finally having a specific release date.

The buzz around GTA VI surged in 2023 after a trailer was leaked online, prompting Rockstar to release the official version 15 hours earlier than planned. That 90-second clip revealed a Miami-inspired setting reminiscent of Vice City and introduced Lucia, the franchise’s first female lead character.

Whether the storyline, setting, or characters will be affected by the delay remains to be seen.