GTA 6 delayed to 2026: Fans Devastated, But Rockstar Says It’s for the Best

It’s now official: Grand Theft Auto VI will not be releasing in 2025. Rockstar Games announced on May 2 that the highly anticipated title is now set to launch on May 26, 2026. The one-year delay caught both the gaming community and industry off guard, but the studio stands by its decision for one clear reason: to deliver a game that meets the massive expectations surrounding it.

Since the first trailer dropped in December 2023, speculation has been rampant. Despite repeated reassurances from Take-Two Interactive about a Fall 2025 release, doubts had been growing in recent weeks. Rockstar has now made things official with a decisive and transparent postponement.

In its statement to players, the studio emphasized the extraordinary ambition behind GTA VI. Each installment in the series has redefined video game standards, and this one is no exception. Rockstar wants to go beyond fan expectations once again, delivering an experience worthy of the Grand Theft Auto legacy. That, the studio says, takes time—and they would rather be open about the delay than risk launching a rushed or unfinished game. The message is clear: no room for bugs, instability, or creative compromise.

The announcement sent shockwaves through the industry. GTA VI has been a focal point for years, and the financial impact for Take-Two is very real. However, CEO Strauss Zelnick voiced full support for the decision. It’s better to take the time and offer a truly exceptional game than to face the backlash of a broken launch. What was once a controversial stance—delaying a game—is now increasingly respected by players tired of half-finished releases.

For now, Rockstar remains tight-lipped about what comes next. No release date for a second trailer, no new gameplay reveals, and no deeper insights into the game world—just a promise of more news in the months to come. Fans will have to be patient, but this delay, while disappointing, also signals high ambition. GTA VI isn’t just a game—it’s a global cultural event in the making. And Rockstar clearly doesn’t want to miss that mark.