GTA 6 Delayed to May 2026 | Rockstar Apologizes, Fans React to Setback

Rockstar Games confirmed on Friday that Grand Theft Auto VI will now release on May 26, 2026—pushing it beyond its original Fall 2025 window. The delay has disappointed fans and rattled investors, but the studio says the extra time is needed to meet expectations.

GTA 6 Delay Moves Release to Spring 2026

For months, Rockstar had stuck to a fall 2025 launch for GTA 6. But now, the long-awaited game will debut on a Tuesday after Memorial Day in the U.S., pushing the blockbuster release into the company’s fiscal year 2027.

In a public statement, Rockstar said:

“We are very sorry that this is later than you expected… We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”

This marks the first major entry in the franchise in over a decade. GTA 6 will follow Lucia, the series’ first female lead, and is set in Vice City, a fictional world inspired by Miami.

Take-Two Shares Tumble After Announcement

Following the delay, Take-Two Interactive’s stock dropped more than 9%, reflecting investor concerns about delayed revenue. CEO Strauss Zelnick backed Rockstar’s decision, calling it a commitment to quality and long-term growth.

Still, the revised date disappointed shareholders and fans who were expecting a 2025 release.

“We support Rockstar taking additional time to realize their creative vision,” Zelnick said, adding that the game is set to be a “groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience.”

Despite the delay, Take-Two still projects strong bookings for fiscal 2026 and 2027, banking on the eventual impact of GTA 6.

What We Know About GTA 6 So Far

The official trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI dropped in December 2023 and shattered YouTube records, racking up over 100 million views in 24 hours. Fans got a glimpse of Lucia and a fast-paced storyline resembling a modern-day Bonnie-and-Clyde duo. The game will reportedly take place across the state of Leonida, Rockstar’s fictional version of Florida.

So far, Rockstar has not shared more updates, but more details may surface when Take-Two reports its Q4 earnings on May 15.

Are you still excited for GTA 6, or has the delay changed your expectations? Let us know in the comments.

More…

• https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/may/02/grand-theft-auto-vi-delayed-until-may-2026
• https://ca.news.yahoo.com/finance/video/two-delays-gta-6-wendys-150849247.html
• https://za.ign.com/grand-theft-auto-vi/209212/video/gta-6-is-delayed-to-2026-here-are-32-awesome-games-coming-in-2025-you-can-play-instead