GTA 6 Release Delayed Before Announcement

Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for GTA 6, but fans will need to wait a bit longer as the game's launch has been postponed to 2026. This article delves into the reasons behind this decision and its impact on other game releases.

GTA 6 Release Date Announced

Coming on May 26, 2026

Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) stands as one of the most eagerly awaited games in recent years, with fans buzzing since the release of its first trailer. After a period of silence, Rockstar Games finally broke the news, setting GTA 6's release for May 26, 2026—a date that deviates from the expectations set by Take-Two Interactive's earlier Q3 2025 earnings call, which hinted at a Fall 2025 launch.

In a tweet on May 2, Rockstar Games shared the updated release date and expressed their apologies for the delay. They emphasized their commitment to delivering a high-quality product, stating, "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve." The developer 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 GTA 6’s release schedule. He remarked, "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 adjustment aligns well with Take-Two's strategy of spacing out their game releases. 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 influenced by GTA 6’s release window, Gearbox clarified that Borderlands 4’s date change was not affected by other games.

Take-Two remains dedicated 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."

Devolver Digital Remains Adamant in Releasing a Game Same Day with GTA 6

The delay of GTA 6 has led to an interesting move by Devolver Digital, the publisher of Cult of the Lamb. Instead of avoiding GTA 6's new release date, Devolver Digital plans to launch one of their games on the same day, May 26. They announced this bold strategy on Twitter on May 2, with the message, "You can’t escape us."

Back in March, Devolver Digital had already declared their intention to release a game on the same day as GTA 6. While the specific title remains undisclosed, possibilities include sequels to popular games like Cult of the Lamb, Enter the Gungeon, Hotline Miami, or perhaps a new intellectual property.

In contrast, many other developers and publishers are adjusting their release schedules to avoid clashing with GTA 6. The Game Business Show reported in March that several anonymous game executives are prepared to delay their games to steer clear of GTA 6’s launch window.

Despite the delay, fans remain excited about the next installment in Rockstar Games' iconic open-world action-adventure series. Grand Theft Auto VI is now scheduled to hit the shelves on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned to our updates for the latest information on the game!