Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for GTA 6, but fans will have to wait a bit longer as the game has been delayed until 2026. This decision impacts not only eager fans but also the launch schedules of other games. Let's dive into the details of this delay and its broader implications.

Coming on May 26, 2026

Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) has been one of the most eagerly awaited titles in gaming history. Since the release of its first trailer, fans have been on the edge of their seats, anticipating the next chapter in this iconic series. However, Rockstar Games recently announced via a Twitter (X) post on May 2 that GTA 6 will now launch on May 26, 2026, a significant shift from the previously hinted Fall 2025 release window by Take-Two Interactive during their Q3 2025 earnings call.

Rockstar Games expressed their apologies for the delay and thanked fans for their patience, emphasizing their commitment to delivering a high-quality product. They stated, "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve." The developer promised to share more information soon, keeping the community engaged and informed.

Take-Two Interactive Fully Supports Rockstar Games’ Decision

Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, has fully endorsed the decision to delay GTA 6. In a statement released on their website on May 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed his support, saying, "We support fully 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 delay aligns with Take-Two's strategy of spacing out their game releases. Just last week, Gearbox Entertainment, another Take-Two subsidiary, announced that Borderlands 4 would launch two weeks earlier than initially planned. While some speculated that this move was influenced by GTA 6's release window, Gearbox has denied any such connection. Take-Two remains committed to delivering excellence across their portfolio, 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

In a bold move, Devolver Digital, the publisher behind Cult of the Lambs, has decided to release one of their games on the same day as GTA 6, May 26, 2026. Announcing this decision on Twitter (X) on May 2, Devolver Digital stated, "You can’t escape us." Back in March, they had already declared their intention to launch a game simultaneously with GTA 6, though they have yet to reveal which title will go head-to-head with the behemoth. Potential candidates include sequels to popular games like Cult of the Lambs, Enter the Gungeon, Hotline Miami, or even a new IP.

Meanwhile, other developers and publishers are taking a different approach, planning to avoid GTA 6's release window altogether. According to The Game Business Show in March, several anonymous game executives expressed their readiness to delay their games to steer clear of the GTA 6 launch.

Despite the delay, the excitement for GTA 6 remains undiminished. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment in Rockstar Games' legendary open-world action-adventure series. Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to launch on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on this highly anticipated game.