Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for GTA 6, but fans will need to wait a bit longer as the game is now slated for release in 2026. This article delves into the reasons behind the delay and its potential impact on other game launches.
Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) has been eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide, especially since the release of its first trailer. After years of speculation and silence, Rockstar Games finally disclosed the release date, which came as a surprise to many.
On May 2, via a Twitter (X) post, Rockstar Games revealed that GTA 6 will launch on May 26, 2026. This announcement contradicted earlier statements from its publisher, Take-Two Interactive, who had expressed confidence during their Q3 2025 earnings call that GTA 6 would be released in Fall 2025.
Rockstar Games issued an apology for the delay and expressed gratitude for the patience of their fans. They emphasized the need for additional time to ensure the game meets the high standards expected by their audience. "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve," they stated. Rockstar promised to share more details soon.
Take-Two Interactive has shown full support for Rockstar Games' decision to delay GTA 6. In a statement released on their website on May 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick commented on the shift in GTA 6's launch date.
He said, "We fully support Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto VI, which promises to be a groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience that exceeds audience expectations."
This delay aligns with Take-Two's earlier comments about potential close releases of their titles. Just last week, Gearbox Entertainment, another Take-Two subsidiary, announced that Borderlands 4 would launch two weeks earlier than initially planned. While many speculated that this decision was influenced by GTA 6's release window, Gearbox clarified that Borderlands 4's new launch date was not affected by other games.
Take-Two remains committed to delivering excellence, stating, "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."
The shift in GTA 6's release date has led to an interesting move by Cult of the Lambs publisher Devolver Digital. Instead of avoiding the competition, Devolver Digital announced on Twitter (X) on May 2 that they plan to launch their own game on the same day, May 26, 2026. Their bold statement was, "You can’t escape us."
Back in March, Devolver Digital had already declared their intention to release a game simultaneously with GTA 6. They have yet to reveal which title will go head-to-head with GTA 6, leaving fans to speculate whether it could be a sequel to popular titles like Cult of the Lambs, Enter the Gungeon, Hotline Miami, or perhaps even a new IP.
In contrast, other developers and publishers are reportedly planning to avoid GTA 6's release window. According to The Game Business Show in March, multiple anonymous game executives indicated they are prepared to delay their games to steer clear of GTA 6's launch.
Despite the delay, excitement for GTA 6 remains high among fans. Grand Theft Auto VI is now scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. For the latest updates on the game, be sure to check out our related article below!