Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for GTA 6, but fans will have to wait until 2026. Dive in to understand the reasoning behind this delay and its impact on other game launches.
GTA 6 Release Date Announced
Coming on May 26, 2026
Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) is one of the most eagerly anticipated titles in gaming history. Fans have been on the edge of their seats since the first trailer was released. However, the latest announcement from Rockstar Games has shifted expectations.
On May 2, via a Twitter (X) post, Rockstar Games confirmed that GTA 6 will launch on May 26, 2026. This news came as a surprise, especially after Take-Two Interactive hinted during their Q3 2025 earnings call that GTA 6 was on track for a Fall 2025 release.
Rockstar Games issued an apology for the delay, expressing gratitude for fans' patience and stating, "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve." They promised more details would be forthcoming.
Take-Two Interactive Fully Supports Rockstar Games’ Decision
Take-Two Interactive stands firmly behind Rockstar Games' decision to extend the development timeline for 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 remarked, "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 adjustment aligns with Take-Two's recent comments about their game release schedule. Last week, Gearbox Entertainment, another Take-Two subsidiary, announced that Borderlands 4 would launch two weeks earlier than initially planned. While some speculated this move was to avoid clashing with GTA 6, Gearbox clarified that Borderlands 4's launch date change was not influenced by other games.
Take-Two remains dedicated to 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."
Devolver Digital Remains Adamant in Releasing a Game Same Day with GTA 6
The delay of GTA 6 has prompted an interesting move from Devolver Digital, the publisher behind Cult of the Lamb. On May 2, they announced via Twitter (X) that they will release a game on the same day as GTA 6, stating boldly, "You can’t escape us."
Back in March, Devolver Digital had already declared their intention to launch a game simultaneously with GTA 6. While they haven't yet revealed which title will face off against the behemoth, possibilities include sequels to hits like Cult of the Lamb, Enter the Gungeon, Hotline Miami, or perhaps even a new IP.
Meanwhile, other developers and publishers are taking a different approach, planning to avoid GTA 6's release window entirely. According to The Game Business Show in March, anonymous game executives expressed their readiness to delay their games to steer clear of GTA 6's launch.
Despite the delay, fans remain excited about the upcoming chapter in Rockstar Games' renowned open-world action-adventure series. Grand Theft Auto VI is now scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates by checking our article below!