Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), but fans will have to wait longer than expected. The game, one of the most eagerly anticipated titles in recent years, is now set to launch on May 26, 2026. This news comes as a surprise, especially after Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, hinted at a Fall 2025 release during their Q3 2025 earnings call.
Coming on May 26, 2026
Since the first trailer for GTA 6 dropped, fans have been on the edge of their seats, waiting for any news on its release. On May 2, Rockstar Games took to Twitter (X) to break the news of the new release date. They apologized for the delay and expressed gratitude for the fans' patience, stating, "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve." Rockstar promised to share more details soon, keeping the anticipation alive.
Take-Two Interactive Fully Supports Rockstar Games’ Decision
Take-Two Interactive has stood firmly behind Rockstar Games' decision to extend the development timeline for GTA 6. On the same day as Rockstar's announcement, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick released a statement on their website, affirming their support. He said, "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 delay aligns with Take-Two's earlier statements about their game release schedules. Just last week, Gearbox Entertainment, another Take-Two subsidiary, announced that Borderlands 4 would launch two weeks earlier than planned. While some speculated that this move was to avoid clashing with GTA 6, Gearbox clarified that their decision was not influenced by other game releases. Take-Two remains committed to delivering 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
In a bold move, Devolver Digital, the publisher behind Cult of the Lamb, decided to release one of their games on the same day as GTA 6, May 26, 2026. They announced this on Twitter (X) on May 2, stating, "You can’t escape us." Back in March, Devolver had already declared their intention to launch a game simultaneously with GTA 6, although they haven't yet revealed which title will take on the challenge. Potential candidates include sequels to popular games like Cult of the Lamb, Enter the Gungeon, Hotline Miami, or even a new IP.
While Devolver Digital is set on a direct confrontation, other developers and publishers are taking a different approach. According to The Game Business Show in March, several anonymous game executives expressed their willingness to delay their games to avoid competing with GTA 6's release window.
Despite the delay, excitement for GTA 6 remains high. Fans are eager to dive into the next chapter of Rockstar Games' iconic open-world action-adventure series. Grand Theft Auto VI is now scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates by checking out our article below!
