GTA 6 Release Delayed Before Announcement

Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), but fans will need to wait until 2026 due to a delay. This shift in schedule has ripple effects across the gaming industry, impacting other game launches. Let's dive into the details of this decision and its broader implications.

Coming on May 26, 2026

GTA 6 has been one of the most eagerly awaited games in recent years, with fans clamoring for information since the first trailer was released. After a long period of silence, Rockstar Games finally unveiled the release date, which has taken many by surprise. In a tweet on May 2, Rockstar announced that GTA 6 is now slated to launch on May 26, 2026, contrary to earlier expectations of a Fall 2025 release, as mentioned by Take-Two Interactive in their Q3 2025 earnings call.

Rockstar Games expressed regret for the delay and thanked their fans for their continued patience. They stated, "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, keeping the community updated on the progress.

Take-Two Interactive Fully Supports Rockstar Games’ Decision

Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind GTA 6, has shown unwavering support for Rockstar's decision to extend the development timeline. In a statement released on their website on May 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick commented on the change, saying, "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 shift aligns with Take-Two's earlier comments about their titles potentially releasing in close proximity. 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 has clarified that their decision was not influenced by other games.

Despite these adjustments, Take-Two remains committed to delivering top-quality games. They stated, "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

In a bold move, Devolver Digital, the publisher behind Cult of the Lamb, has decided to release one of their games on the same day as GTA 6. On May 2, Devolver Digital announced via Twitter that they would launch their game on May 26, 2026, directly competing with GTA 6. Their statement was clear: "You can’t escape us."

Back in March, Devolver had already declared their intention to release a game simultaneously with GTA 6. While they haven't yet disclosed which title will face off against the behemoth, potential candidates include sequels to popular games like Cult of the Lamb, Enter the Gungeon, Hotline Miami, or even a new intellectual property.

In contrast, other developers and publishers are steering clear of GTA 6's release window. The Game Business Show reported in March that several anonymous game executives are prepared to delay their projects to avoid direct competition with GTA 6.

Despite the delay, the excitement surrounding GTA 6 remains high. Fans are eager to explore the next chapter in Rockstar Games' expansive open-world action-adventure series. Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to launch on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated title.