Rockstar Games has delayed the release of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) to May 26, 2026. The studio has announced that Game of Thrones development requires additional time because it needs to achieve the level of quality that fans expect. In a message to players, Rockstar apologized for the delay but promised the extra time would make GTA VI worth the wait.
The news caused shares of Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, to drop 8% in early trading. Fans are disappointed, but many agree that Rockstar’s history of great games means the delay could lead to something special.
Why Did Rockstar Delay GTA VI?
Rockstar is known for taking the time to make games better. The studio said it wants to avoid rushing GTA VI and repeating past mistakes where workers were overworked. A reporter who covers game studios said developers felt the original 2025 deadline was too tight. The delay gives the team more time to finish the game without forcing employees to work crazy hours.
What We Know About GTA VI
The first trailer for GTA VI came out in December 2023. Here is what we know so far
New Location: The game is set in Vice City, a fictional version of Miami, and the surrounding state of Leonida (based in Florida).
First Female Lead: Lucia leads the game alongside Jason as they form the iconic GTA female lead character ever since its history began. The pair conducts criminal heists because they draw inspiration from historical American outlaws Bonnie and Clyde.
Bigger World: Within the game, players will have access to thorough map exploration, including beachfront cities and swamp regions. The trailer showed sports cars, helicopters, and alligators!
Rockstar has not said when the PC version will come out, but experts think it might arrive after the console release.
How the Delay Affects Other Games
A Win for Competing Games
With GTA VI pushed to 2026, other big games coming in 2025 (like Borderlands 4 and Ghost of Yotei) might sell more copies. These games will have less competition next year.
Take-Two, Rockstar’s parent company, will rely on other games like Mafia: The Old Country to make money until GTA VI arrives.
GTA V is Still a Huge Success
Even though GTA V came out in 2013, it remains one of the most popular games ever. The game has reached 210 million sales and holds the top spot for Twitch gaming streamer views in 2024. Regular updates through GTA Online maintain player engagement in the online version of the game.
The emergence of GTA VI faces an increased standard to meet higher expectations. Experts predict that GTA VI will reach 40 million copies during its initial twelve-month period.
When Will We Learn More?
Rockstar says it will share more details about GTA VI “soon.” Fans hope for news during Take-Two’s earnings call on May 15, 2025. Until then, players are guessing what surprises the game might bring, like new missions or online features.
