GTA 6 Release Delayed Before Announcement

Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), but fans will have to wait until 2026. This article delves into the reasons behind the delay and its impact on the gaming industry.

GTA 6 Release Date Announced

Coming on May 26, 2026

Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) is one of the most eagerly awaited games in recent years, with fans buzzing since the first trailer was released. After a long period of anticipation, Rockstar Games has finally set an official release date for GTA 6, though it's later than many had hoped.

On May 2, Rockstar Games took to Twitter (X) to announce that GTA 6 will launch on May 26, 2026. This news comes as a surprise, especially following Take-Two Interactive's 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 fans' patience. They emphasized, "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve." The company promised to share more details soon.

Take-Two Interactive Fully Supports Rockstar Games’ Decision

Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind GTA 6, stands firmly behind Rockstar Games' decision to delay the game. In a statement released on their website on May 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick commented on the shift in the release schedule.

He stated, "We fully support 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 decision aligns with Take-Two's earlier statements about potentially releasing titles close to each other. Last week, Gearbox Entertainment, another Take-Two subsidiary, announced that Borderlands 4 would launch two weeks earlier than initially planned. While many speculated that this move was influenced by GTA 6's release window, Gearbox has denied any connection.

Despite the adjustments in their game release schedules, Take-Two remains committed to delivering high-quality products. They stated, "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 response to GTA 6's new release date, Cult of the Lambs publisher Devolver Digital has decided to launch one of their games on the same day, May 26, 2026. Devolver Digital announced this bold move on Twitter (X) on May 2, stating, "You can’t escape us."

Back in March, Devolver Digital had already declared their intention to release a game simultaneously with GTA 6. They have yet to reveal which title will go head-to-head with GTA 6, leaving fans guessing whether it will be a sequel to popular games like Cult of the Lambs, Enter the Gungeon, Hotline Miami, or perhaps a new IP.

Meanwhile, other developers and publishers are taking a different approach, planning to avoid GTA 6's release window altogether. According to The Game Business Show in March, several anonymous game executives indicated they are prepared to delay their games to steer clear of GTA 6's launch.

Despite the delay, excitement for GTA 6 remains high. Fans are eager to dive into the next chapter of Rockstar Games' expansive open-world action-adventure series. Grand Theft Auto VI is now scheduled to launch on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated title.