GTA 6 delays its release until May 2026: all the official details

Last update: 05/05/2025
Author Isaac
  • Rockstar Games has confirmed that GTA 6 will officially launch on May 26, 2026, following a delay from the original release date.
  • The launch will take place first on consoles PlayStation 5 y Xbox Series X|S; PC version coming later.
  • The delay allows Rockstar to polish the game and meet the high expectations of fans and critics.
  • The development has impacted the industry's release schedule and is generating debate within the community.

Generic image GTA 6 release 2026

After months of rumors and intense debate on social media, Rockstar Games has cleared up any uncertainty about the future of Grand Theft Auto VI.The studio has officially announced that the highly anticipated video game will not be released in 2025 as initially speculated. Through statements on its website and social media, the company has shared that it has finally GTA 6 will be released on May 26, 2026..

The news represents an important change for those who were following the saga and for the industry itself. video games, as the wait is getting even longer. The interest and expectation accumulated around this release have been enormous., which has generated a significant number of messages of support, but also of disappointment among followers.

Rockstar Games confirms the delay and sets a definitive date

GTA 6 official date confirmed

The American developer has explained that needs additional time to ensure that GTA 6 meets the standards and level of quality that its players expectThe CEO of parent company Take-Two had previously commented that the development was ambitious and complicated, and the company has finally acknowledged the impossibility of meeting the previous estimated date of fall 2025.

In its official statement, Rockstar has expressed: «With every game we've released, the goal has always been to exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception.We hope you understand that we need extra time to offer you the level of quality you expect and deserve.

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the final date, May 26th 2026, will allow the team to finalize development details and ensure an experience worthy of the franchise's popularity, recognized worldwide for its narrative, gameplay, and freedom of exploration.

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Release and platform details

GTA 6 consoles and dates

As published, The initial launch will be exclusive to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|SPC gamers will have to wait a little longer: realistic projections suggest that the port for this platform could be ready sometime in 2027 or, at the earliest, by the end of 2026. This phased approach is now common in Rockstar's strategy to monopolize the impact on consoles and, subsequently, take advantage of the PC market.

One of the most striking elements of the trailer released in December 2023 is the GTA 6 setting. The game moves the action to a revamped version of Vice City, inspired by Miami and Florida. In addition, for the first time in the series, there will be a female protagonist named Lucia, who will accompany another character throughout a plot full of action, robberies, chases and challenges in an open world.

The impact of the delay on the industry and the community

GTA 6 community delay reaction

The decision to postpone the launch affects fansMany publishers have seen their own release schedules altered for the second half of 2025 due to the wait for GTA 6, given that sharing a window with such a high-profile title can reduce the visibility of other new releases.

On social media, reactions have been varied: from messages of resignation from those who have been waiting for a new release for over a decade, to requests for Rockstar to share more details, images, or a sneak peek as the final release approaches. For now, the company has only confirmed that it will offer additional information soon, possibly at major events like the Summer Game Fest or through its official channel.

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On the other hand, The PC version will have to wait even longer.Although there's no specific date, it's typical for the series to have its specific adaptation arrive months after the next-gen console release.

GTA 6: What we know about the story and features

GTA 6 story and gameplay

The official trailer showed that GTA 6 will star Lucia, an ex-convict, who returns to Vice City with a partner. Together, they'll immerse themselves in all sorts of illicit activities, including gas station robberies, chases, and situations typical of the series. The game will continue to focus on the open world and cinematic-style narrative, the franchise's hallmark.

The series maintains its "adults only" rating due to its violent content, explicit language, and all kinds of references, a fact that won't change with the new installment. Rockstar hasn't revealed any new details about possible gameplay improvements or technical innovations, but industry analysts emphasize that the delay will serve to fine-tune all aspects of the game and adapt them to current expectations.

For those who do not yet know the saga or wish to review previous installments, Rockstar has released remastered versions of classic GTA titles, available on current and previous generation consoles, as well as on PC and mobile devices.

Expectations, precedents and next steps

GTA 6 expectations and future

Rockstar Games' history of release delays is nothing new: titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 or itself GTA V They also suffered delays before going to marketHowever, the company has always championed the importance of delivering a polished product that lives up to the community's demands, which often translates into huge sales and critical success. In the case of GTA 5, over 200 million copies have been sold, so the pressure to break records remains very present.

Meanwhile, GTA 6 will continue to be the focus of industry attention. The delay opens up new opportunities for competitors, as other companies will be able to adjust their own dates and find a better slot in the calendar. We can only wait for new announcements and, hopefully, some teaser before the end of the year.

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