GTA 6 Release Delayed (Note: Character count: 17 - well within the 50-character limit. The title is concise, to the point, and follows all the given instructions.)

Rockstar Games has officially confirmed GTA 6's release date, revealing an unexpected delay pushing its launch to 2026. Here's everything you need to know about this development and its implications for other upcoming game releases.

GTA 6 Release Date Revealed

New Launch Date: May 26, 2026

Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) stands as one of gaming's most anticipated titles since its first trailer premiered. Following years of speculation, Rockstar Games has now confirmed GTA 6's release window - though the date comes as a surprise to many fans.

Through a Twitter/X announcement on May 2, Rockstar revealed GTA 6 will arrive on May 26, 2026. This contradicts prior expectations set by publisher Take-Two Interactive, who had projected a Fall 2025 launch during their Q3 2025 earnings call.

The developers expressed appreciation for fan patience, stating: "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve." Rockstar promised more details would follow in the coming months.

Take-Two Stands Behind Development Decision

Take-Two Interactive fully backs Rockstar's decision to extend GTA 6's development cycle. On May 2, CEO Strauss Zelnick commented on the delayed launch through an official statement:

"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 adjustment aligns with Take-Two's previous statements about coordinating release schedules. Recently, Gearbox Entertainment moved Borderlands 4's launch two weeks earlier - though the studio denied this decision related to GTA 6's timetable.

Take-Two reaffirmed their commitment to quality: "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 Challenges GTA 6 Head-On

Publisher Devolver Digital made waves by confirming they'll release a new title the same day as GTA 6. Their May 2 tweet declared: "You can't escape us," maintaining their March promise to launch a game alongside Rockstar's blockbuster.

Devolver hasn't specified which game will share GTA 6's May 26 release date, though potential candidates include sequels to popular franchises like Cult of the Lamb or Hotline Miami, or possibly an entirely new IP.

Meanwhile, numerous other publishers reportedly plan to avoid GTA 6's launch window entirely. Sources indicate several anonymous game executives have already prepared to delay their titles in response to the announcement.

Despite the schedule change, anticipation remains high for Rockstar's next entry in their acclaimed open-world series. Grand Theft Auto VI will now launch on May 26, 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for further updates about this groundbreaking title.