One of the most eagerly awaited games of all time, Grand Theft Auto VI, has officially been delayed. Developer Rockstar Games has confirmed that the new GTA 6 release date is now 26 May 2026, pushing the launch back by around six months.
Watch the trailer 1 of GTA 6:
Rockstar Games’ Perfectionist Approach
Why Rockstar Delayed GTA6
Rockstar Games is known for its long development cycles and high standards. While fans were hoping to get their hands on GTA6 in late 2025, the studio announced it needs more time “to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”
“We are very sorry that this is later than you expected,” Rockstar said in a public statement. “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.”
Figure 1: GTA 6 Delayed to May 2026
This isn’t unusual for Rockstar. Its previous blockbuster, Red Dead Redemption 2, was delayed multiple times before its 2018 release. But when it finally arrived, the result was a critically acclaimed and technically impressive masterpiece—something Rockstar likely hopes to replicate with GTA6.
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What We Know So Far About GTA6
Trailer and Setting
Official information on GTA 6 remains limited, but the first trailer—released in December 2023—gave fans a tantalising glimpse. The 90-second video revealed two new protagonists and introduced Leonida, a fictional state inspired by Florida.
Within days, the trailer amassed over 100 million views, highlighting the massive global excitement. Rockstar’s message was clear: they aim to deliver a new level of open-world immersion and detail.
Console Launch Only
At launch, GTA 6 will only be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Older consoles will not support the game, meaning many gamers will need to upgrade their hardware to play it.
This has caused frustration among fans, including 27-year-old streamer Dienne Kawende, also known as HotGamerDude.
“I’m absolutely furious right now,” he told BBC Newsbeat. “This year, I literally got a job just to save up to get a PlayStation 5. It’s all ruined now.”
Despite being a long-time Rockstar fan, Dienne says the 12-year wait has taken its toll.
“I’m getting really impatient at this point. When GTA 5 came out, I was in school. I was a teenager. I might start having kids soon. I might not even have time to play GTA 6 when it comes out.”
Figure 2: The GTA 6 trailer excites fans, but the console-only launch frustrates players.
Industry Impact of the GTA 6 Release Date Delay
A Window of Opportunity for Other Publishers
With the Rockstar Games GTA 6 release date now set for mid-2026, other game developers may take advantage. Many studios had delayed their own projects to avoid competing directly with GTA6. Now, we may see a surge of new game announcements for late 2025.
The delay also offers Sony and Microsoft an opportunity to boost sales of their newer consoles before GTA6 arrives. However, both companies recently announced price increases for their gaming hardware—another blow to fans preparing for the upgrade.
No PC Version Yet
Another burning question remains: When will GTA 6 be released on PC? Historically, Rockstar has released its titles on PC well after their console debuts. GTA 5, for instance, launched on consoles in 2013 and didn’t arrive on PC until April 2015.
The studio has yet to confirm a PC version of GTA6, but most analysts believe it will eventually happen—just not any time soon. According to Take-Two’s Strauss Zelnick, the PC platform has become “a more important part of what used to be a console business.” Even so, don’t expect a simultaneous launch.
What Fans Can Expect in GTA 6
Record-Breaking Potential
Despite the delay, GTA6 is widely expected to break records. Its predecessor, GTA 5, is the second-best-selling video game of all time and continues to perform strongly thanks to GTA Online.
Early reports also suggest that GTA 6 may introduce user-created content features similar to Roblox, further expanding its longevity and appeal. Combined with Rockstar’s dedication to storytelling, realism, and sandbox-style gameplay, this could result in one of the most dynamic and immersive games ever made.
Final Thoughts: The Wait Continues
While the GTA 6 release date delay is undoubtedly disappointing, it reinforces Rockstar Games’ reputation for putting quality above all else. For fans, the wait may feel endless—but if GTA6 delivers on its promise, it could become the defining game of the decade.
Until then, patience remains the only option. But if history is anything to go by, Rockstar’s extra time in development will pay off in the form of another groundbreaking experience.
