• GTA VI, likely the most anticipated game ever (yet) to be made, has been delayed by a full year.
• The game is now looking at a 26th May 2026 release date, barring a further delay.
• Rockstar says it will take the extra time to deliver on players’ high expectations.

After the initial launch date of Fall 2025, Rockstar Games has announced bad news for gamers across the globe that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) will be delayed by about a year, with a new release date of 26th May 2026.

“We are very sorry that this is later than you expected,” Rockstar Games says in a statement on X.

Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to release on May 26, 2026. https://t.co/YgaIn1cYc8 pic.twitter.com/cyeK7GM6Ob

— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) May 2, 2025

“The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team. We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game.”

GTA VI is likely the most anticipated game of all-time, with over 250 million views on its first and only gameplay trailer, published last year.

About the game, chairman of Rockstar-owner Take-Two Interactive and CEO Strauss Zelnick, said “We are highly confident that Rockstar Games will deliver an unparalleled entertainment experience, and our expectations for the commercial impact of the title continue to increase.”

We’re not quite sure if it is even possible for the developers at Rockstar to match the current fever pitch around expectations for the game, but Rockstar says its current goal is to exceed them.

“With every game we have releeased, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations,” the team says.

“And GTA 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.”

We noted last year that Rockstar may not be able to stick to the 2025 timeframe, and this has come true. We’ll see if the game can manage 2026. Either way for Rockstar, when you have essentially the highest-grossing game ever in your hands, it pays to make sure it’s ready for release.

But the extra time may also have drawbacks, like the industry’s technology outpacing development, which may lead to further delays.