Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), but fans will need to wait until 2026. This delay impacts not just GTA 6 enthusiasts but also the broader gaming industry's release schedules. Let's dive into the details behind this decision and its ripple effects.
GTA 6 Release Date Announced
Coming on May 26, 2026
Since the first trailer dropped, Grand Theft Auto VI has been one of the most eagerly awaited games. After years of silence, Rockstar Games finally disclosed the release date, which deviates from what fans had hoped for.
In a Twitter (X) post dated May 2, Rockstar Games revealed that GTA 6 will launch on May 26, 2026. This announcement came as a surprise, especially following Take-Two Interactive's Q3 2025 earnings call where they expressed confidence in a Fall 2025 release for GTA 6.
Rockstar Games issued an apology for the delay, expressing gratitude for the fans' patience. They emphasized, "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve." The studio promised to share more information in the near future.
Take-Two Interactive Fully Supports Rockstar Games’ Decision
Take-Two Interactive stands firmly behind Rockstar Games' decision to extend the development timeline for GTA 6. On May 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick shared a statement on their website, reinforcing their support.
He stated, "We fully support 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 decision aligns with Take-Two's earlier comments about their titles potentially launching close to one another. Recently, Gearbox Entertainment, another Take-Two subsidiary, announced that Borderlands 4 would launch two weeks earlier than planned. Speculation arose that this move was to avoid clashing with GTA 6's release window, but Gearbox refuted these claims.
Despite the shifts in their game release schedules, Take-Two remains committed to delivering excellence. They affirmed, "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 response to GTA 6's new release date, Devolver Digital, the publisher of Cult of the Lamb, decided to launch one of their games on the same day, May 26, 2026. They boldly declared on Twitter (X) on May 2, "You can’t escape us."
Devolver Digital had previously stated in March that they would release a game simultaneously with GTA 6. While they have yet to reveal which title will go head-to-head with the behemoth, they have several candidates like Cult of the Lamb, Enter the Gungeon, Hotline Miami, and potentially a new IP.
Conversely, other developers and publishers are planning to adjust their schedules to avoid competing with GTA 6. According to The Game Business Show in March, multiple anonymous game executives expressed readiness to delay their games to sidestep GTA 6's release window.
Despite the delay, fans remain enthusiastic about experiencing the next installment in Rockstar Games' iconic open-world action-adventure series. Grand Theft Auto VI is now slated for release on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for further updates by checking out our related articles below!
