Popular video game series Grand Theft Auto’s release date has been moved to May 26, 2026. Fans of the game will have to wait until next year to play the latest version of GTA.
Rockstar Games announced on Friday its decision to delay the release of Grand Theft Auto (GTA) VI until May 26, 2026. It apologised for delaying the release of a game that had been anticipated for several years.
However, the gaming company didn’t give any reason why the release date had been pushed back from fall of this year.
In a statement Rockstar Games said, “With every game we have released, the goal has been to try and exceed your expectations and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception. We hope you understand we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”
Rockstar Games’ parent firm, Take-Two Interactive’s shares plummeted roughly 7 percent on Friday.
Strauss Zelnick, chairman and CEO of Take-Two Interactive Software, defended Rockstar in a statement, saying the firm deserves more time to accomplish its artistic vision. He stated that they still want a “groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience that exceeds audience expectations.”
“While we take the movement of our titles seriously and appreciate the vast and deep global anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI, we remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence,” Zelnick noted in his statement. “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.”
Fans of the game expressed regret at the delay in the release of GTA VI. They also shrugged given that the game was supposed to be released in 2024 and then this year.
In a forum on Reddit dedicated to the game, numerous fans stated that they had seen this before and would not be surprised if the release was postponed further. Others were more positive, stating that an exact release date suggests it will happen this time.
Last time, GTA received this much attention was in 2023, when a trailer for it was leaked online. Rockstar revealed the first look of the sixth game 15 hours earlier than intended, due to the leak.
The 90-second clip offered fans a taste of what was coming next for the game. The clip claimed that the upcoming installment would be set in Miami-inspired Vice City and include a female protagonist, Lucia, a first for the franchise.
It is not clear whether the delay in the release of GTA VI implies that any or all of these aspects will remain in Grand Theft Auto VI.