GTA 6 Launch Delayed to May 2026

Rockstar Games has officially delayed the release of Grand Theft Auto VI to May 26, 2026, moving from its originally scheduled fall 2025 window.

Developer Apologizes for Extended Wait

In a statement addressing the delay for what's anticipated to be the most significant entertainment launch in history, Rockstar expressed regret about the postponement:

"We sincerely apologize that the release is coming later than originally planned," Rockstar stated. "The global enthusiasm for a new Grand Theft Auto title has been incredibly humbling for our team. We appreciate your continued support and patience as we finalize development."

"With every title we've created, our objective remains the same: to surpass player expectations. Grand Theft Auto VI is no different. We believe this additional development time will allow us to deliver the quality experience our fans deserve."

"We look forward to sharing more updates in the near future."

Release Details Remain Unclear

While the statement confirms the new target date, Rockstar didn't release any new footage, meaning fans must continue waiting for the next trailer. Notably absent was any mention of launch platforms, fueling speculation about a potential simultaneous PC release alongside PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions in May 2026.

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick had previously commented on the original 2025 release window during a February interview: "There's always development risks when committing to specific dates. We felt optimistic about the timeline at that time."

In a new investor communication dated May 2, Zelnick endorsed Rockstar's decision to shift the launch into Take-Two's 2027 fiscal year:

"We fully support Rockstar's choice to extend development to achieve their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto VI. This promises to be a revolutionary entertainment experience that will redefine expectations.

"While we understand the significance of schedule changes given the extraordinary global anticipation for GTA VI, our commitment to quality remains unwavering. This decision supports our long-term growth strategy and benefits our shareholders."

Market Implications

The delay creates new opportunities for other major titles scheduled for late 2025, including Gearbox's Borderlands 4, EA's Battlefield, Bungie's Marathon, and Sony's Ghost of Yotei. Nintendo also stands to benefit as it prepares to launch its Switch successor console.

However, developers who accelerated their projects to avoid the original fall 2025 window may need to reconsider strategies. Publishers with titles planned for spring 2026 will likely need to reassess their release schedules as well.