More bad news for the gaming community. Following the unfortunate Xbox price increases, Rockstar Games has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI will now launch on May 26, 2026. Yes, folks, that’s about a year later than many had hoped. The update came directly from the developer, which explained that the delay is necessary to ensure the game meets the quality standards fans expect. After more than a decade since GTA V, it’s a very tough pill to swallow.
Reactions online have been quite intense. Some gamers genuinely seem distraught, venting their disappointment across forums and social media platforms. It’s the kind of news that hits hard, especially when a title has been hyped for so long. One could almost imagine grown men screaming in agony from their moms’ basements -- figuratively, of course. At least I hope it’s figurative.
Interestingly, this delay has sparked some speculation about whether external factors might be playing a role. Could economic instability from Trump tariffs be affecting development timelines or international logistics? Rockstar hasn’t addressed anything beyond needing more time, but in today’s global market, it’s fair to ask if there’s more to the story. Whatever the reason, it’s official: Grand Theft Auto VI won’t arrive until spring 2026. That’s a long wait, and some fans may need the weekend just to process it. If the online mood is any indication, a few won’t be picking up a controller at all.
Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier reported that “Nobody I’ve talked to at Rockstar has believed Fall 2025 was a real window for a very long time now.” According to Schreier, the delay was seen as inevitable inside Rockstar for months, as there was “too much work, not enough time,” and the upper management wanted to avoid crunch. This sentiment was echoed in the official announcement where Rockstar stated, “We are very sorry that this is later than you expected.”
The game was originally announced in December 2023 with a trailer that broke the record for most views on YouTube by a non-music video in one day, racking up over 93 million views. Now, it has more than 251 million views, ranking second among video game trailers behind mobile game Subway Surfers, which has more than 361 million views. The game’s release will mark the first main series GTA game since Grand Theft Auto V in 2013.
In March 2024, Kotaku reported that sources close to the game's development said its release could “slip” into 2026 after reports of slowed progress and return-to-office mandates for Rockstar employees. This sparked speculation that Rockstar was behind schedule and trying to increase productivity. In a Q3 earnings call in February, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick had indicated that the company expected calendar year 2025 to be an "inflection point" for the company thanks to Grand Theft Auto VI.
Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, saw its stock tumble by as much as 8% on the morning of the announcement. Despite the delay, Zelnick stated, “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.” Take-Two also emphasized that they still expect record net bookings in 2026 and 2027, despite the setback.
Fans are left wondering what the game will entail. Little has been revealed since the teaser video, but it has been confirmed that GTA VI will be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, but not PC at launch. Set in a Miami-like Vice City, the game will feature two protagonists: Lucia and Jason. The trailer hints at a Bonnie and Clyde-type crime couple, with Lucia being released from jail and embarking on a heist with her partner.
As the gaming community absorbs the news, the anticipation continues to build. The online discourse reflects a mix of disappointment and hope, with many expressing their eagerness to see how Rockstar will deliver on the high expectations set by the franchise. The delay may be a bitter pill to swallow, but it is a reminder of the complexities involved in game development.
In light of the delay, some industry analysts speculate that the price of GTA VI may rise to $80 upon release, following the trend of price hikes seen across the gaming industry. With the announcement of price increases from other major gaming companies, insiders suggest that this new pricing model may soon become the norm.
While gamers wait for the new release date, the internet has erupted with memes and jokes about the prolonged wait for GTA VI. The Empire State Building even joined in, tweeting, “We got a dragon on top of the Empire State Building before we got GTA 6.” This humorous take on the situation encapsulates the collective frustration and anticipation felt by fans.
In conclusion, Rockstar Games has made a bold decision to delay Grand Theft Auto VI to ensure it meets the high standards expected by fans. While the wait until May 2026 may seem long, the hope remains that the extra time will result in a game that lives up to the legacy of its predecessors. As the gaming world watches closely, the excitement for this installment continues to simmer, promising a blockbuster experience when it finally arrives.
