GTA 6 Release Delayed Again: New launch date set for May 2026 – key highlights

The wait for Grand Theft Auto VI just got longer. Rockstar Games has officially pushed back the release of one of the most highly anticipated video games ever. Here's everything you need to know about the delay and what's coming next — in 5 key points:

1. New Release Date: May 26, 2026

Rockstar Games has confirmed that GTA 6 will now release on May 26, 2026. This comes as a delay from the earlier planned window of September 2025 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles.

2. Why the Delay?

According to Rockstar, the additional time is necessary to “further polish and finalize the title” to meet their high standards of quality. In a heartfelt message to fans, the studio acknowledged the excitement surrounding the game and thanked players for their patience.

"We are very sorry that this is later than you expected... We need this extra time to deliver the level of quality you expect and deserve," Rockstar stated.

3. Impact on Take-Two Interactive

The delay had an immediate financial impact. Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, saw its shares fall by up to 16% following the announcement. Despite this, the company remains optimistic, expecting strong performance in Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027, with a slate of other major releases in the pipeline.

4. What’s Coming in GTA 6?

The game is set in Leonida, a fictional state inspired by Florida, featuring a reimagined Vice City. Players will explore neon-lit streets, sandy beaches, and lush swamplands. The story centers around Lucia, the franchise's first female lead, and her partner Jason, forming a Bonnie-and-Clyde-style duo.

Expect a dynamic narrative, character switching (like in GTA V), and possibly post-launch map expansions, cryptocurrency integration, and a revamped in-game economy — although these features are still speculative.

5. The First Look

Fans got their first glimpse of the game in December 2023, when the trailer was released a day early after it was leaked online. The teaser quickly became a viral hit, generating millions of views and fueling months of speculation and excitement.

Though the delay is frustrating for fans, Rockstar's focus remains clear: deliver a game that lives up to — and surpasses — the massive expectations. And with the GTA franchise's track record, that wait might just be worth it.