GTA 6 won’t land this year after all. Rockstar has pushed the launch to May 26, 2026. The studio says it needs extra time to meet the expectations that come with the series—and its own standards.

Rockstar explains GTA 6 delay

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In its announcement, Rockstar thanked fans for their support. The team said it’s committed to quality and won’t cut corners. By moving the date, it hopes to polish the game and deliver something that lives up to the hype.

Grand Theft Auto VI arrives over a decade after GTA 5

When the game finally drops, more than 12 years will have passed since Grand Theft Auto V. That’s an unusually long gap, but GTA V’s sales helped stretch the cycle. With over 210 million copies sold, it remains one of the best-selling titles ever.

GTA 6 details still limited

Rockstar hasn’t shared much about the new game’s content. A teaser from December 2023 hinted at a Vice City setting—GTA’s version of Miami. The trailer also introduced Lucia, one of the main characters, alongside a male partner involved in heists.

Fans expect the action to take place across the fictional state of Leonida. The series’ trademark mix of crime, chaos, and satire will likely return. Still, Rockstar has kept gameplay features under wraps.

Take-Two loses share value, may offer more news soon

Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive, will report its earnings on May 15. It’s likely the delay will come up during that call. Investors and fans alike will be watching for updates on the release and any plans leading up to it, since the delay sent its shares tumbling 8% in early trading.

Fans split on the wait

Reaction to the delay has been mixed. Some players are frustrated by yet another long wait. Others support the decision, preferring a better game over a rushed one. Rockstar’s past shows it usually delivers—but expectations have never been higher.

If GTA 6 arrives in top form, the delay will fade fast. For now, all eyes are on Rockstar to make the wait count.