In a post on X, Rockstar Games announced that the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI has been delayed to May 26, 2026. The company issued an apology for the delay of the highly anticipated title, which has been a subject of much speculation for years. However, no specific reasons were given for the shift from the previously scheduled release this fall.
“Every game we’ve released has aimed to exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no different,” the company stated. “We trust you’ll understand that we need more time to ensure the game meets the high standards of quality that you expect and deserve.” Following the announcement, shares of Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar, dropped by nearly 7%.
Take-Two’s CEO and Chairman, Strauss Zelnick, expressed full support for Rockstar, saying in a statement that the company’s creative vision requires extra time to come to fruition. He reassured fans that despite the delay, they can still expect a “groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience that will surpass audience expectations.”
“While we take the movement of our titles seriously and appreciate the vast and deep global anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI, we remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence,” Zelnick said in a statement. “As we continue to release our phenomenal pipeline, we expect to deliver a multi-year period of growth in our business and enhanced value for our shareholders.”
On a Reddit thread focused on the game, many fans expressed that they had experienced delays in the past and wouldn’t be shocked if this release date was postponed once again. However, others remained more hopeful, suggesting that the announcement of a specific release date indicates that the game is more likely to launch as scheduled this time.
The last time the game generated this much excitement was in 2023, when a trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI was leaked online. In response, Rockstar unveiled the first official look at the game 15 hours ahead of schedule. The brief 90-second trailer offered fans a sneak peek at what’s to come. It hinted that the upcoming installment would be set in a Miami-inspired Vice City and feature a female protagonist, Lucia, marking a first for the series.
