GTA 6 Release Delayed Before Announcement

Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for GTA 6, but fans will have to wait longer than expected, with the game now set to launch in 2026. This article delves into the reasons behind the delay and its impact on the gaming industry.

GTA 6 Release Date Announced

Coming on May 26, 2026

Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) has been eagerly anticipated by fans since the release of its first trailer. After years of silence, Rockstar Games finally revealed the release date, which was a surprise to many.

On May 2, via a Twitter (X) post, Rockstar Games confirmed that GTA 6 will launch on May 26, 2026. This news contradicts earlier statements from their publisher, Take-Two Interactive, who had anticipated a Fall 2025 release during their Q3 2025 earnings call.

Rockstar Games issued an apology for the delay and expressed gratitude for fans' patience, stating, "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve." They promised to share more information soon.

Take-Two Interactive Fully Supports Rockstar Games’ Decision

Take-Two Interactive has fully endorsed Rockstar Games' decision to extend the development timeline for GTA 6. On May 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick released a statement on their website, affirming their support.

Zelnick remarked, "We support fully 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 shift aligns with Take-Two's earlier comments about potential close releases of their titles. Just last week, Gearbox Entertainment announced that Borderlands 4 would launch two weeks earlier than planned. While many speculated that this move was influenced by GTA 6’s release window, Gearbox denied any such influence. Both games fall under Take-Two Interactive, yet Gearbox insists their decision was independent.

Despite these adjustments, Take-Two remains committed to delivering excellence, stating, "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 of GTA 6 has prompted an interesting move from Devolver Digital, the publisher behind Cult of the Lambs. Rather than avoiding the competition, Devolver Digital announced on Twitter (X) on May 2 that they will launch one of their games on the same day as GTA 6, May 26, 2026. They boldly declared, "You can’t escape us."

Back in March, Devolver Digital had already expressed their intent to release a game simultaneously with GTA 6. They have yet to disclose which game will go head-to-head with GTA 6. Potential candidates include sequels to their popular titles such as Cult of the Lambs, Enter the Gungeon, Hotline Miami, or even a new IP.

Meanwhile, other developers and publishers are reportedly planning to avoid GTA 6's release window. The Game Business Show reported in March that multiple anonymous game executives are prepared to delay their own games to steer clear of the GTA 6 launch.

Despite the delay, fans remain excited about the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI, now scheduled for May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates by checking out our related articles below!