Rockstar Games has officially announced that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI will now launch on 26 May 2026, moving past its originally expected release window of fall 2025. The studio shared the update through a heartfelt note to its community, apologising for the delay and affirming their commitment to delivering a game that meets and ideally exceeds fan expectations.

Key Highlights:

GTA VI launch delayed to 26 May 2026

Rockstar cites quality assurance and high expectations as reasons

No confirmation on PC release; still targeting PS5 and Xbox Series X|S

New trailer yet to surface following December 2023 reveal

Industry-wide impact as studios recalibrate their release calendars

“We are very sorry that this is later than you expected,” Rockstar said in its official message. “The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team… we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”

The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever

GTA VI is more than just a sequel — it’s positioned to be one of the largest entertainment releases in history. With immense pressure to outperform its predecessor, Rockstar is taking every possible step to polish the game to perfection. Fans will return to a modern-day Vice City, navigating the streets as Lucia, the series’ first female protagonist, in a Bonnie-and-Clyde-style crime narrative.

While the first official trailer, launched in December 2023, racked up record-breaking views, Rockstar has yet to release a second trailer, keeping fans hungry for more insights into the game’s scope, mechanics, and story.

Platform Speculations: Will PC Players Be Left Out?

As of now, Rockstar has not announced any new platforms for GTA VI, keeping the official list limited to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. This has sparked renewed speculation about whether a PC version will be part of the launch, or if Rockstar will stick to its previous trend of releasing PC ports several months — or even years — after the initial console debut.

Industry-Wide Ripple Effects

Rockstar’s decision to delay the game has inadvertently reshaped the global gaming calendar. Several major developers had initially timed their releases to avoid clashing with GTA VI’s launch, including potential blockbusters like Borderlands 4, Battlefield, Bungie’s Marathon, and Sony’s Ghost of Yotei. Now, with a longer runway, these studios may rethink their timelines and marketing strategies.

Even Nintendo is expected to seize this opportunity as it prepares to unveil the next-generation Switch, potentially shifting the spotlight to its own upcoming titles.

However, the delay may prove problematic for studios that rushed production or altered plans to avoid overlapping with GTA VI. With the new release date over a year away, some developers might face challenges in rescheduling their roadmaps effectively.

Final Thoughts: A Painful Wait, but Possibly Worth It

Delays are never easy — especially when it comes to a cultural juggernaut like Grand Theft Auto VI. However, Rockstar Games has a long-standing reputation for crafting genre-defining experiences, and its decision reflects a dedication to excellence rather than a rush to market.

For fans, the road to May 2026 may feel long, but the potential payoff — a revolutionary open-world experience with compelling characters and dynamic gameplay — could be worth every extra month of waiting.