Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), but fans will need to wait a bit longer as the launch is now scheduled for 2026. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind the delay and explore its impact on other game releases.
Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) has been one of the most eagerly awaited games in the industry, with fans buzzing since the release of its first trailer. After a prolonged period of silence, Rockstar Games finally unveiled the release date for GTA 6, which came as a surprise to many.
On May 2, via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rockstar Games revealed that GTA 6 will hit the shelves on May 26, 2026. This announcement contradicted earlier expectations set by Take-Two Interactive during their Q3 2025 earnings call, where they expressed confidence in a Fall 2025 release.
Rockstar Games issued an apology for the delay and expressed gratitude for the patience of their fanbase, emphasizing their commitment to delivering a high-quality product. They stated, "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve." More details about the game are expected to be shared in the near future.
Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, has fully endorsed the decision to extend the development period for GTA 6. On May 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick shared his perspective on the adjusted release timeline via a statement on their official website.
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 adjustment aligns with Take-Two's earlier comments about the possibility of their titles launching in close proximity. Just last week, Gearbox Entertainment, another subsidiary under Take-Two, announced that Borderlands 4 would be released two weeks earlier than initially planned. While speculation suggested this move might be influenced by GTA 6’s release window, Gearbox has firmly denied any such connection.
Despite these shifts in release schedules, Take-Two remains steadfast in its commitment to 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."
The revised release date for GTA 6 has prompted an interesting response from Devolver Digital, the publisher behind Cult of the Lamb. Rather than moving away from GTA 6's launch, Devolver Digital has decided to release one of their games on the same day, May 26, 2026. They announced this bold move via a post on X on May 2, stating, "You can’t escape us."
Back in March, Devolver Digital had already expressed their intention to launch a game simultaneously with GTA 6. However, they have yet to disclose which of their titles will go head-to-head with the behemoth. Potential candidates include sequels to popular games like Cult of the Lamb, Enter the Gungeon, or Hotline Miami, or even a brand new IP.
In contrast, other developers and publishers are reportedly planning to avoid clashing with GTA 6’s release window. According to The Game Business Show in March, several anonymous game executives indicated their readiness to postpone their own game launches to steer clear of competing with GTA 6.
Despite the delay, excitement remains high among fans eager to dive into the next chapter of Rockstar Games' iconic open-world action-adventure series. Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to launch on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates on the game by checking out our related articles below!