Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for GTA 6, but fans will need to wait a bit longer as the game is now slated for release in 2026. Dive into the details behind this decision and its impact on other game launches.
Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) has been eagerly awaited by fans since the first trailer was released. After years of speculation, Rockstar Games finally unveiled the release date for GTA 6, which came as a surprise to many.
On May 2, via a post on Twitter (X), Rockstar Games confirmed that GTA 6 will hit the shelves on May 26, 2026. This announcement deviates from earlier expectations, as Take-Two Interactive had previously hinted at a Fall 2025 release during their Q3 2025 earnings call.
Rockstar Games issued an apology for the delay, expressing gratitude for the patience of their fans. They emphasized, "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve." The developer promised more updates in the near future.
Take-Two Interactive stands firmly behind Rockstar Games' decision to postpone GTA 6's release. On May 2, Take-Two's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, shared his perspective on the adjusted timeline via a statement on their website.
Zelnick stated, "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 their game releases potentially overlapping. Just last week, Gearbox Entertainment, another Take-Two subsidiary, announced that Borderlands 4 would launch two weeks earlier than initially planned. Although some speculated that this move was in response to GTA 6's release window, Gearbox clarified that Borderlands 4's launch date was not influenced by other games.
Take-Two remains committed to excellence, 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."
In a bold move, Devolver Digital, the publisher of Cult of the Lamb, decided to release one of their games on the same day as GTA 6. On May 2, they announced via Twitter (X) that their game will launch on May 26, 2026, stating, "You can’t escape us."
Back in March, Devolver Digital had already declared their intention to release a game on the same day and time as GTA 6. They have yet to disclose which game will go head-to-head with GTA 6, but potential candidates include follow-ups to titles like Cult of the Lamb, Enter the Gungeon, Hotline Miami, or even a new intellectual property.
Meanwhile, other game 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 revealed their readiness to delay their games to steer clear of GTA 6's launch.
Despite the delay, fans remain excited about the upcoming installment in Rockstar Games' iconic open-world action-adventure series. Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to release on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates by checking out our article below!