Rockstar Games has officially announced the delay of the highly anticipated video game, Grand Theft Auto VI, now set to release on May 26, 2026. Originally scheduled for a 2025 launch, the news has sparked a wave of disappointment among fans eagerly awaiting the next installment of the iconic franchise.
In a statement shared on social media, Rockstar expressed their regret over the delay, emphasizing the need for additional time to ensure that the game meets the high standards expected by players. "We are very sorry that this is later than you expected. The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team," the company stated. They further reassured fans by adding, "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. We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve."
The announcement comes after a long period of speculation regarding the game's development timeline. The first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI was released in December 2023 and quickly became a sensation, breaking records for the most first-day views on a non-music YouTube video within just 12 hours. By the end of the first day, it had garnered over 93 million views and 8.9 million likes, and as of May 2, 2025, the trailer has amassed over 250 million views.
Fans have expressed their frustration on social media platforms, with many taking to X (formerly Twitter) to share their disappointment. One user lamented, "GTA is delayed until 2026, I think my anxiety is coming back," while another simply stated, "This is the worst day of my life." The delay has led to questions about the lengthy development process, especially since Grand Theft Auto V was released back in 2013. "How does it take 13 years to release the next GTA?" one fan queried.
Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two Interactive, has a history of ensuring that their games meet high-quality standards, and this delay seems to align with that philosophy. CEO Strauss Zelnick had previously indicated that the company would not rush the game's release. During an earnings call, he mentioned that each new Rockstar game needs to be something players have never seen before.
The excitement surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI has been palpable, with fans speculating about its setting and characters. The game is expected to return to Vice City, a fictional locale inspired by Miami, which was last featured in the series' 2006 entry. Early leaks have introduced players to two protagonists: Lucia, a Latin American woman, and Jason, whose character details are still emerging.
In addition to the delay, there have been discussions about the potential pricing of the game. Following Microsoft's announcement that certain first-party Xbox games would now retail for $80, many fans have speculated that Grand Theft Auto VI could follow suit, leading to debates about the game's value in relation to its expected quality and content.
As the gaming community awaits further updates, the upcoming Take-Two earnings call on May 15, 2025, is expected to provide more insights into the release timeline and additional details about Grand Theft Auto VI. The anticipation for the next trailer, which could reveal more about the game's plot and gameplay, remains high among fans.
Despite the disappointment surrounding the delay, Rockstar has reiterated its commitment to delivering a product that meets the expectations of its dedicated fanbase. As they work to finalize the game, many in the community continue to express their support, understanding that quality often requires patience.
In the meantime, the gaming world remains abuzz with speculation about what Grand Theft Auto VI will bring to the table. Will it break new ground in storytelling and gameplay mechanics? Fans are eager to find out, and as they count down the days to the new release date, one thing is certain: the excitement for this installment of the franchise is far from diminished.
