Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), but fans will have to wait until 2026 to get their hands on this highly anticipated title. This delay impacts not only eager fans but also the launch schedules of other games in the industry.
Coming on May 26, 2026
Since the release of its first trailer, GTA 6 has been one of the most eagerly awaited games in the gaming community. After years of speculation, Rockstar Games finally broke the silence with a Twitter (X) post on May 2, revealing that GTA 6 will launch on May 26, 2026. This announcement came as a surprise, especially following Take-Two Interactive's Q3 2025 earnings call, where they expressed confidence in a Fall 2025 release.
Rockstar Games expressed their apologies for the delay, 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." The developer promised to share more information in the near future.
Take-Two Interactive Fully Supports Rockstar Games’ Decision
Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind GTA 6, fully supports Rockstar Games' decision to extend the development timeline. On May 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick released a statement on their website, highlighting the importance of allowing Rockstar to realize their creative vision. He 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 strategy of spacing out their game releases. Just last week, Gearbox Entertainment, another Take-Two subsidiary, announced that Borderlands 4 would launch two weeks earlier than initially planned. While some speculated that this move was influenced by GTA 6's release window, Gearbox clarified that their decision was independent of other game schedules.
Take-Two remains committed to delivering excellence across their portfolio, 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."
Devolver Digital Remains Adamant in Releasing a Game Same Day with GTA 6
In an unexpected move, Devolver Digital, the publisher behind Cult of the Lambs, decided to launch one of their games on the same day as GTA 6, May 26, 2026. Devolver announced this bold strategy via a Twitter (X) post on May 2, asserting, "You can’t escape us."
Back in March, Devolver had already declared their intention to release a game simultaneously with GTA 6. While they haven't revealed which title will face off against GTA 6, potential candidates include sequels to popular games like Cult of the Lambs, Enter the Gungeon, or Hotline Miami, or perhaps a new IP.
In contrast, other developers and publishers are planning to avoid GTA 6's release window. According to The Game Business Show in March, several anonymous game executives indicated their willingness to delay their own titles to steer clear of GTA 6's launch.
Despite the delay, fans remain enthusiastic about experiencing the next installment in Rockstar Games' iconic open-world action-adventure series. Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to be released on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned to our site for the latest updates on this eagerly awaited game.
