It’s Official: Grand Theft Auto VI Has Been Delayed
Rockstar Games has officially confirmed that the release of the monumentally anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI has been pushed back. Previously expected to launch on May 26, 2026, the game’s new global release date is now set for Thursday, November 19, 2026.
Rockstar Cites Need for More Polish
In an official statement, Rockstar Games attributed the delay to their commitment to quality, stating that the development team requires the extra time to deliver a finished product that meets their high standards. The additional months, they explained, are necessary to apply the final “level of polish you have come to expect and deserve.”
The studio’s message to fans read:
We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realize has been a long wait, but these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve. We want to thank you again for your patience and support.
Rockstar concluded by reiterating their excitement for players to finally experience the sprawling state of Leonida and the return to a modern-day Vice City.
The Key Takeaways:
- Previous Release Date: May 26, 2026
- New Release Date: November 19, 2026
- Reason for Delay: To enhance game quality and apply final polish.
Fans eager to return to the streets of Vice City will now have to hold on for about six more months.
The Bigger Picture: Delay Announced During Take-Two’s Financial Report
The timing of this announcement is significant, as it coincided with the release of the Q2 2026 fiscal report from Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive. Despite the delay, the company’s financial outlook remains overwhelmingly positive.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick addressed the schedule change while discussing the company’s strong financial performance, expressing full confidence in Rockstar’s decision:
Rockstar Games will now release Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19, 2026, and we remain both excited and confident they will deliver an unrivalled blockbuster entertainment experience. With the most robust pipeline in our Company’s history, we expect to achieve record levels of Net Bookings in Fiscal 2027, which will establish a new baseline for our business and set us on a path of enhanced profitability.
Zelnick’s comments suggest the delay is a strategic move to ensure a flawless launch and maximize the game’s financial impact in the 2027 fiscal year. Given that GTA VI will be the company’s biggest release, it’s clear they are taking every possible measure to ensure it meets the colossal expectations. However, it’s worth remembering that the game is slated for a console-only release at launch, with no word yet on a PC version.