Grand Theft Auto 6 Delayed to May 2026
In a statement released today, Rockstar Games has confirmed that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 will now launch on May 26, 2026, a delay from its previously expected release date in fall 2025. The news was reported by IGN, a leading source of gaming news and reviews.
"We are very sorry that this is later than you expected," Rockstar said in a statement, as quoted by IGN. "The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team. We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game."
According to IGN, Rockstar’s statement apologized for the significant delay to the game, which is expected to be the biggest entertainment launch of all time. The game’s developer, Rockstar Games, aims to exceed player expectations and deliver a game that meets the high standards set by the Grand Theft Auto series.
"With every game we have released, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception," Rockstar said, as reported by IGN. "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve."
The delay to Grand Theft Auto 6 opens up the second half of 2025 to a number of other games, perhaps now with more breathing room to succeed. Games such as Gearbox’s Borderlands 4, EA’s Battlefield, Bungie’s Marathon, and Sony’s Ghost of Yotei will no doubt benefit from the delay. Nintendo, which is preparing to release the Switch 2, will surely benefit from GTA 6’s delay, too.
Strauss Zelnick, the boss of Rockstar parent company Take-Two, had previously expressed confidence that Rockstar would hit the fall 2025 release date for GTA 6. However, in a new note to the investment community issued today, May 2, Zelnick said he supported the decision to delay GTA 6 into Take-Two’s 2027 financial year.
"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," Zelnick said, as quoted by IGN.
The delay to Grand Theft Auto 6 is a significant blow to fans of the series, who have been eagerly anticipating the game’s release. However, it appears that Rockstar is committed to delivering a game that meets the high standards set by the series. As IGN reports, the game’s developer is taking extra time to ensure that the game is of the highest quality.
The news of the delay was met with a mixed reaction from the gaming community. While some fans expressed disappointment at the delay, others understood the need for Rockstar to take extra time to deliver a game that meets their expectations.
As IGN notes, the delay to Grand Theft Auto 6 leaves the door open for speculation about the game’s launch platforms. While Rockstar has not confirmed which platforms the game will launch on, some are speculating that it may launch on PC as well as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S in May 2026.
The delay to Grand Theft Auto 6 is a significant development in the gaming industry, and IGN will continue to provide updates on the game’s release as more information becomes available.
In a statement, Take-Two’s Strauss Zelnick said: "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. 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."
Source: IGN – https://www.ign.com/articles/gta-6-delayed-to-may-2026
