Rockstar Games has postponed the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 to May 26, 2026, moving it from its original fall 2025 launch window.
In an official statement, Rockstar expressed regret over the significant delay for what is anticipated to be the largest entertainment launch in history.
"We sincerely apologize that this new date is later than initially projected," Rockstar stated. "The global excitement and interest in a new Grand Theft Auto title have been both inspiring and humbling for our entire team. We appreciate your ongoing support and patience as we finalize the game.
"With every new release, our ambition remains to surpass player expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no different. We hope our audience understands that this additional development time is essential to achieve the quality standards you rightfully expect.
"We're excited to share more updates in the near future."
While Rockstar's announcement confirms the revised GTA 6 release date, the absence of new media content means fans continue waiting for the second official trailer. The statement also omits specific launch platforms, fueling speculation about a potential simultaneous PC release alongside PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in May 2026.
"There's always inherent risk of schedule adjustments, and I believe making absolute commitments can sometimes tempt fate," commented Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar's parent company Take-Two, when IGN previously questioned his confidence in the fall 2025 timeline. "That said, we felt very optimistic about our projections." This exchange occurred last February.
In a new investor communiqué dated May 2, Zelnick endorsed the decision to shift GTA 6 into Take-Two's 2027 fiscal year.
"We wholeheartedly support Rockstar Games' choice to allocate additional development time to perfect their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto VI, which we believe will establish new standards for blockbuster entertainment and surpass audience expectations.
“Although we approach schedule modifications with serious consideration and recognize the immense global anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI, our dedication to quality remains unwavering. With our strong upcoming release schedule, we anticipate sustained business growth and increased shareholder value across multiple years.”
The GTA 6 delay creates new opportunities for other major titles scheduled for late 2025, offering them increased market visibility. Upcoming releases such as Gearbox's Borderlands 4, EA's Battlefield, Bungie's Marathon, and Sony's Ghost of Yotei will likely benefit from the adjusted landscape. Nintendo, preparing to launch the Switch 2, also stands to gain from GTA 6's revised timetable.
However, developers and publishers who accelerated their production cycles to precede GTA 6's original fall 2025 window may face challenges. Those planning game launches around May next year will probably need to reevaluate their marketing and distribution strategies.
