Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for *Grand Theft Auto VI* (*GTA 6*), but fans will have to wait longer than initially expected. The game is now set to launch in 2026. Learn more about the reasons behind the delay and how it impacts the broader gaming landscape.

GTA 6 Release Date Announced

Official Launch Date: May 26, 2026

Since its first trailer dropped, anticipation for *GTA 6* has been building steadily. After years of speculation and silence, Rockstar Games finally confirmed the game’s official release date—only it’s not what many fans were hoping for.

On May 2, 2025, Rockstar Games posted an announcement on Twitter (X) revealing that *GTA 6* will now launch globally on **May 26, 2026**. This marks a significant delay compared to earlier expectations, especially after Take-Two Interactive expressed confidence during their Q3 2025 earnings call that the game would be released in Fall 2025.

Rockstar issued a public apology for the change and thanked players for their continued support as they work toward finalizing the title. The studio emphasized, "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve." More updates are expected to follow as the release window approaches.

Take-Two Fully Backs Rockstar’s Development Timeline

Take-Two Interactive has publicly endorsed Rockstar Games' decision to take additional time with development. In a formal statement published on their website on May 2, 2025, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick shared his thoughts regarding the extended production schedule.

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 previous statements from Take-Two about potential overlaps in release schedules across their portfolio. Just days prior, Gearbox Entertainment moved the release of *Borderlands 4* forward by two weeks. While some speculated that this was done to avoid direct competition with *GTA 6*, Gearbox denied any correlation.

Despite recent shifts in launch dates among their titles, Take-Two remains focused on delivering high-quality experiences. They reiterated, “As we continue to roll out our phenomenal pipeline, we expect to enter a multi-year period of growth for our business and increased value for our shareholders.”

Devolver Digital Stands Firm on Releasing a Game Alongside GTA 6

In response to *GTA 6’s* delayed launch, Devolver Digital made headlines by announcing that one of their upcoming titles will release on the same day—May 26, 2026. The publisher posted on X (formerly Twitter) confirming the simultaneous launch, stating, “You can’t escape us.”

Back in March, Devolver Digital hinted that they would match the release timing of *GTA 6*, even before the new date was finalized. While the specific title has yet to be revealed, possibilities include sequels to fan-favorite games like *Cult of the Lamb*, *Enter the Gungeon*, or *Hotline Miami*, or potentially a brand-new IP.

Meanwhile, other developers and publishers are reportedly adjusting their strategies to avoid going head-to-head with *GTA 6*. According to reports from The Game Business Show in March, several unnamed studio executives indicated they are prepared to shift release dates to steer clear of the massive open-world title.

Despite the delay, excitement for *GTA 6* remains at an all-time high. Fans worldwide eagerly await the next installment in Rockstar’s iconic franchise. *Grand Theft Auto VI* is scheduled to launch on **PlayStation 5** and **Xbox Series X|S** on [ttpp] May 26, 2026. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the release date!