Rockstar Games revealed on Friday that Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) has been postponed, with its new release date now set for May 26, 2026. The highly anticipated game was originally slated to launch in the third or fourth quarter of this year.
In an official statement, the company said, “We regret to inform you that Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) will now arrive later than initially planned—on May 26, 2026. The overwhelming enthusiasm and anticipation for this new installment have been incredibly motivating for our team. We sincerely appreciate your continued support and patience as we dedicate ourselves to perfecting the game.”
The statement continued, “With every title we release, our aim has always been to surpass player expectations, and GTA VI is no different. We hope you recognize that this additional time is essential to meet the high standards of quality you deserve. Stay tuned for further updates in the near future.”
As one of the most successful gaming franchises in history, GTA’s upcoming sequel—the first in over a decade—was projected to be this year’s top-selling release. Its initial launch was expected ahead of the holiday season in late 2024.
The delay of Grand Theft Auto VI comes over a decade after the record-breaking success of Grand Theft Auto V, which remains one of the best-selling games of all time, with over 190 million copies sold since its 2013 release. GTA V’s enduring popularity, fueled by its expansive open world and the ever-evolving GTA Online, has set incredibly high expectations for its successor. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the next installment, especially after Rockstar released the first GTA VI trailer in late 2023, which quickly became one of the most-watched gaming reveals in history.
Industry analysts suggest that the delay may be due to Rockstar’s commitment to refining the game’s ambitious scope, which reportedly includes a massive, highly detailed world—potentially the largest in the series—along with cutting-edge graphics and gameplay innovations. The extra development time could also allow the studio to optimize the game for next-gen consoles, ensuring a smooth launch.
While the wait is longer than expected, Rockstar’s track record suggests the delay will be worth it. Past titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 also faced postponements but ultimately delivered unparalleled quality. For now, fans can revisit GTA V or explore GTA Online’s latest updates while counting down to 2026.
