Rockstar Games has pushed back the release of Grand Theft Auto VI to May 26, 2026, a significant shift from its originally planned Fall 2025 launch window.
In an official statement, the studio expressed regret over the substantial delay for a title anticipated to become the largest entertainment launch in history.
"We sincerely apologize that this new date is later than initially projected," Rockstar stated. "The overwhelming interest and enthusiasm for a new Grand Theft Auto experience has been profoundly humbling for our entire team. We extend our gratitude for your continued support and patience as we dedicate ourselves to completing the game.
"With every title we release, our unwavering goal is to surpass player expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is certainly no exception. We trust you understand that this additional development time is essential to achieve the level of quality and polish you rightfully expect.
"We are eager to share further updates with you in the near future."
While Rockstar's announcement finally confirms a specific launch date for GTA 6, the absence of new promotional material means fans must continue waiting for the second official trailer. The statement also omitted any mention of launch platforms, fueling speculation that the May 2026 release could simultaneously debut on PC alongside PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
"There's always inherent risk of schedule adjustments, and I believe declaring absolute certainty can inadvertently tempt fate," remarked Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar's parent company Take-Two, when questioned by IGN in February about confidence in the Fall 2025 target. "That said, we felt very positive about our timeline."
In a new investor communication issued today, May 2, Zelnick voiced his full endorsement of the decision to postpone GTA 6 into Take-Two's 2027 fiscal year.
"We wholeheartedly support Rockstar Games' choice to allocate additional time to fully realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto VI. We believe it is poised to deliver a groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience that will redefine audience expectations.
“While we treat any shift to our release calendar with the utmost seriousness and recognize the immense global anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI, our commitment to quality remains unwavering. As we continue to execute our robust pipeline of titles, we anticipate delivering sustained multi-year business growth and enhanced shareholder value.”
The postponement of GTA 6 clears a significant competitive hurdle in the latter half of 2025, potentially granting other major titles more space to thrive. Upcoming games such as Gearbox's Borderlands 4, EA's Battlefield, Bungie's Marathon, and Sony's Ghost of Yotei likely welcome the news. Nintendo, gearing up for the launch of its Switch 2 successor, also stands to benefit considerably from this delay.
Conversely, developers and publishers who may have expedited their projects to launch before GTA 6's original Fall 2025 window are undoubtedly less pleased. Furthermore, any title scheduled for release around May of next year will almost certainly require a strategic reassessment.
