Reason Behind GTA 6 Release Delay Revealed by Jason Schreier – Further Delay Still Possible?

After months of speculation and leaks surrounding the delay of Grand Theft Auto VI, Rockstar Games has finally broken its silence. In a recent press release, the studio officially confirmed that the highly anticipated title is now set to release on May 26, 2026.

The announcement triggered mixed reactions across the gaming community. While many fans expressed disappointment over the extended wait, others were relieved to receive official communication from Rockstar after prolonged uncertainty.

Rockstar Issues Apology

In a written statement shared across its official channels, Rockstar apologized for the delay and emphasized the importance of quality:

“With every game we have released, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception. We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve,” said Rockstar Games.

Despite confirming the new release date, Rockstar has remained silent on when fans can expect the next trailer. The first teaser dropped nearly a year ago, and anticipation continues to build.

Why the Delay? Jason Schreier Weighs In

Renowned gaming journalist Jason Schreier has provided further insight into the reasons behind the delay. According to Schreier, the decision to push the launch is a strategic move by Rockstar to avoid the chaotic, last-minute rush that has plagued their development process in the past.

Schreier specifically referenced Red Dead Redemption 2, which faced similar internal challenges during its final development stages. Having closely monitored Rockstar's production cycle, he believes this delay marks a positive shift in the company’s development strategy.

“This is part of Rockstar’s effort to avoid burnout and rushed production. It’s a conscious decision to prioritize quality over deadlines,” Schreier shared on BlueSky.

By taking additional time, Rockstar developers are expected to work in a more manageable environment, ultimately leading to a more polished and immersive gaming experience at launch.

Could There Be Further Delays?

Given the scale and expectations surrounding GTA 6, it remains possible that the release could be pushed even further if Rockstar feels additional refinements are necessary. As their flagship title, Rockstar appears determined to meet — if not surpass — the sky-high expectations of its global fanbase.

For now, fans will have to wait until May 2026 — and possibly longer — for the next chapter in the Grand Theft Auto saga.