GTA 6 Release Delayed Before Announcement

Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), but fans will need to wait a bit longer than expected. The much-anticipated game will now launch on May 26, 2026. This delay comes after Take-Two Interactive, the game's publisher, had previously suggested a Fall 2025 release during their Q3 2025 earnings call. Read on to understand the reasons behind this decision and how it impacts other game launches.

Coming on May 26, 2026

Grand Theft Auto VI has been one of the most eagerly awaited titles in the gaming world, with fans eagerly anticipating every bit of news since the first trailer was released. After years of silence, Rockstar Games finally shared the official release date via a Twitter (X) post on May 2. However, the date of May 26, 2026, was not what many fans had hoped for.

Rockstar Games issued an apology for the delay and expressed gratitude for the patience of their fans as they work to complete the game. They stated, "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve." More details about the game are expected to be revealed soon.

Take-Two Interactive Fully Supports Rockstar Games’ Decision

Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, has fully endorsed the decision to extend the development time for GTA 6. In a statement released on their website on May 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed his support, saying, "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 delay aligns with Take-Two's earlier comments about the possibility of their titles launching close to each other. Just 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 such connection. Despite the shifts in release schedules, Take-Two remains committed to delivering exceptional quality, 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 response to GTA 6's new release date, Devolver Digital, the publisher behind Cult of the Lambs, has decided to launch one of their games on the same day, May 26, 2026. Devolver Digital made this announcement via a Twitter (X) post on May 2, boldly stating, "You can’t escape us."

Back in March, Devolver had already declared their intention to release a game simultaneously with GTA 6. While they have yet to specify which game will face off against the behemoth, they have several potential candidates, including follow-ups to titles like Cult of the Lambs, Enter the Gungeon, Hotline Miami, or possibly even a new IP.

Meanwhile, other developers and publishers are taking a different approach, planning to avoid GTA 6's release window altogether. As reported by The Game Business Show in March, multiple anonymous game executives confirmed their readiness to delay their games to steer clear of GTA 6's launch.

Despite the delay, excitement for Grand Theft Auto VI remains high among fans eager to dive into the next chapter of Rockstar Games' expansive open-world action-adventure series. GTA 6 is now scheduled to launch on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates on the game by checking out our related articles below!