GTA 6, one of the most anticipated games ever, has been pushed back to May 2026. The sequel was set to release on consoles later this year. However, the game’s developer, Rockstar Games, decided it needed more time to develop the quality for its fans. The previous game, GTA 5, is the second-best-selling video game ever and remains popular among the gaming public. The online mode to this day makes the previous game in the series popular among seasoned gamers.
GTA 6 Delayed Until May 2026
Little information on the upcoming game has emerged since the trailer was released last December, quickly gaining over 100 million views. The short teaser quickly revealed two main protagonists and a fictional, Florida-inspired setting, Leonida. Strauss Zelnick, Rockstar boss, said of GTA 6, “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.”
He continued, “While we take the movement of our titles seriously and appreciate the vast and deep global anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI, we remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence. 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.” The company has a reputation for its long development routine, and the 12-year gap since GTA 5 has sparked a wave of jokes and memes from online users.
Rockstar has delayed major releases before, most notably 2018’s Red Dead Redemption 2 – the studio’s last huge new game. However, Rockstar is known for its perfectionist approach to making good content. Also, Zelinick has said each new game “needs to be something you’ve never seen before.” Considering the approach, it’s no surprise that Rockstar wants to get it right with GTA 6. At launch, the game will be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox; Sony and Microsoft announced price increases on both consoles.
GTA 6 is expected to smash sales records when it is finally released, possibly surpassing its predecessor. Considering the anticipation for the game, it is safe to assume that it could become the highest-grossing video game launch of all time. Unfortunately, the global video game industry has suffered from studio closures and layoffs over the past two years.
Final Thoughts on GTA 6
Rockstar also apologized for the delay in Grand Theft Auto 6, which is expected to be an all-time gaming launch. “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. 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.”
In other news regarding games, albeit sports games, New York Jets Quarterback Jordan Travis announced a heartbreaking retirement due to a leg injury. Lately, in the political sphere, there has been growing concern about tariffs and their effects on the quality of life, especially for small businesses. Fans will have to endure a year-long wait for the highly anticipated game. When it does hit stores, fans will meet its first-ever female protagonist, Lucia, who is in jail at the game’s beginning. She later appears with a male partner, as seen in the 2023 teaser trailer. Previously set for a Fall 2025 release, GTA 6 will hit stores on May 26, 2026.
