Rockstar Games has officially announced that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) will not be released in 2025 as initially planned. Instead, the game is now scheduled to launch on May 26, 2026. This news has disappointed many fans who have been eagerly awaiting the next installment of the iconic franchise.
In a statement released on May 2, 2025, Rockstar Games expressed its apologies for the delay, emphasizing the importance of quality and the well-being of its staff. The company stated, "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. We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game."
Industry expert Jason Schreier weighed in on the situation, suggesting that the delay reflects Rockstar's commitment to maintaining high standards without compromising working conditions. He noted that many employees had already moved past the initial Fall 2025 release window, deeming it unrealistic. Schreier wrote, "Nobody I’ve talked to at Rockstar has believed Fall 2025 was a real window for a very long time now. Too much work, not enough time, and what appears to be a real desire from management to avoid brutal crunch. GTA VI slipping to 2026 has seemed inevitable for months if not longer." This sentiment resonates with many in the gaming community, who have expressed understanding of the need for additional development time.
The news of the delay has sparked a variety of reactions across social media, with some fans expressing frustration while others appreciate Rockstar's dedication to quality. As one fan humorously pointed out, the situation feels akin to waiting for a long-promised gift that seems to keep getting postponed.
Interestingly, the new release date coincides with May 26, which is historically significant as it marks the date of the funeral of notorious outlaws Bonnie and Clyde. This connection has led to speculation among fans about potential thematic ties between the game's protagonists, who are rumored to be inspired by the infamous couple. While Rockstar has not officially confirmed this connection, the choice of release date appears to be a nod to the gaming community.
As the gaming industry adjusts to the news, other publishers are now feeling a sense of relief. With GTA 6's new release date set for 2026, many developers can plan their own game launches without the fear of being overshadowed by the massive anticipation surrounding Rockstar's title. However, one studio, Devolver Digital, has boldly declared its intention to release a new game on the exact same day as GTA 6. Known for its quirky marketing and indie titles, Devolver announced via social media, "Gonna release a game the exact same day and time as GTA 6." Following the delay, they reaffirmed their commitment, stating, "You can’t escape us. May 26, 2026 it is then."
Devolver Digital's decision to launch on the same day as GTA 6 is intriguing, considering the latter's expected high price point, rumored to be between £80 and £100. This could position Devolver's offering as a more affordable alternative, although details about the game have yet to be revealed. Currently, Devolver has two games scheduled for 2026: Enter The Gungeon 2 and Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions. However, it remains unclear if either of these titles will be the one released on the same day as GTA 6.
Meanwhile, the gaming community is left in a state of anticipation. With no new trailers or gameplay footage released since the initial announcement, fans are hungry for updates. The silence from Rockstar has prompted some to speculate about the possibility of further delays, with many recalling past instances where the company has pushed back release dates.
Brent Koepp, a vice journalist, offered a more optimistic perspective, asserting, "Video game delays are always a good thing." He cited the success of recent titles that benefited from extra development time, suggesting that quality should take precedence over rushed releases. His viewpoint echoes the sentiments of those who believe that patience can lead to a more polished final product.
The gaming landscape is ever-evolving, and as the industry prepares for the release of GTA 6 in 2026, the anticipation continues to build. Fans are left wondering what the final product will look like and how it will compare to its predecessors. With the promise of a new chapter in the Grand Theft Auto saga, the stakes are high, and all eyes remain on Rockstar.
As the countdown to May 26, 2026, begins, one thing is clear: the gaming world is abuzz with speculation, excitement, and a hint of impatience as everyone eagerly awaits what promises to be a monumental release.
In the meantime, fans are encouraged to find ways to cope with the wait, whether through exploring other games, engaging with the community, or simply finding new hobbies to fill the time. After all, the gaming community is nothing if not resilient, and the anticipation for GTA 6 is sure to keep spirits high as the release date approaches.
