Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for GTA 6, but fans will have to wait a bit longer as the game is now slated for a 2026 launch. Dive into the details behind this decision and explore its impact on other game releases.
GTA 6 Release Date Announced
Coming on May 26, 2026
Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) has been eagerly awaited by fans worldwide ever since the first trailer was released. After years of anticipation, Rockstar Games finally disclosed the release date for GTA 6, which came as a surprise to many.
On May 2, via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rockstar Games revealed that GTA 6 will hit the shelves on May 26, 2026. This announcement deviates from the expectations set by Take-Two Interactive, who hinted in their Q3 2025 earnings call that the game might launch in Fall 2025.
Rockstar Games expressed their apologies for the delay and extended their gratitude for the fans' patience. They emphasized the need for extra time to ensure the game meets the high standards fans expect, stating, "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve." Further details will be shared in the near future.
Take-Two Interactive Fully Supports Rockstar Games’ Decision
Take-Two Interactive stands firmly behind Rockstar Games' decision to delay GTA 6. In a statement released on their website on May 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed his support for the extended development timeline.
He commented, "We fully support 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 adjustment aligns with their previous strategy of spacing out game releases. Just last week, Gearbox Entertainment announced an earlier launch date for Borderlands 4 by two weeks. Although many speculated that this move was influenced by GTA 6's release window, given both titles fall under Take-Two Interactive, Gearbox has clarified that Borderlands 4’s schedule change was independent of other game releases.
Despite these shifts in release dates, Take-Two remains committed to delivering exceptional quality. They stated, "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
The delay in GTA 6's release has prompted an interesting move from Devolver Digital, the publisher of Cult of the Lambs. Instead of steering clear of GTA 6's launch date, Devolver Digital announced on X on May 2 that they will release one of their games on the same day, May 26. They boldly declared, "You can’t escape us."
Back in March, Devolver Digital had already hinted at this strategy, planning to launch a game simultaneously with GTA 6. While the specific title remains undisclosed, Devolver has several potential candidates, including sequels to popular games like Cult of the Lambs, Enter the Gungeon, Hotline Miami, or even a new intellectual property.
On the other hand, numerous other developers and publishers are opting to avoid GTA 6's release window altogether. According to The Game Business Show in March, several anonymous game executives confirmed their readiness to delay their projects to steer clear of GTA 6's launch.
Despite the delay, fans remain enthusiastic about experiencing the next installment in Rockstar Games' expansive open-world action-adventure series. Grand Theft Auto VI is now scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Keep an eye on our updates for the latest news on GTA 6!
