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 a bit longer as the launch has been postponed to May 26, 2026. This unexpected delay has sparked discussions about its impact on the gaming industry and other game launches.

Coming on May 26, 2026

Grand Theft Auto VI has been one of the most eagerly awaited titles in gaming, with fans buzzing with excitement since the first trailer was released. After a long period of silence, Rockstar Games finally shared the release date, which came as a surprise to many. On May 2, via a post on Twitter (X), Rockstar announced that GTA 6 will hit the shelves on May 26, 2026, deviating from the anticipated Fall 2025 window hinted at by Take-Two Interactive during their Q3 2025 earnings call.

Rockstar Games expressed their apologies for the delay and appreciated the patience of their fans, emphasizing their commitment to delivering a high-quality experience. They stated, "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve." Further details about the game are expected to be revealed soon.

Take-Two Interactive Fully Supports Rockstar Games’ Decision

Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind Rockstar Games, has given their full support to the decision to extend GTA 6's development timeline. On May 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick released a statement on their website, affirming their backing for Rockstar's choice. 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 adjustment aligns with Take-Two's earlier comments about the potential for their titles to have closely timed releases. Just last week, Gearbox Entertainment, another Take-Two subsidiary, announced that Borderlands 4 would launch two weeks earlier than initially planned. While many speculated this move was to avoid clashing with GTA 6's release, Gearbox has denied any such influence. Take-Two remains focused on 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

The shift in GTA 6's release date has prompted an interesting response from Cult of the Lambs publisher Devolver Digital. Rather than moving away from GTA 6's new launch date, Devolver has decided to release one of their games on the same day, May 26, 2026. They announced this bold move 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 on the same day and time as GTA 6. Although they haven't disclosed which game will go head-to-head with GTA 6, potential candidates include follow-ups to popular titles like Cult of the Lambs, Enter the Gungeon, Hotline Miami, or even a new IP.

In contrast, other developers and publishers are planning to avoid GTA 6's release window. The Game Business Show reported in March that multiple anonymous game executives are ready to delay their own games to steer clear of GTA 6's launch.

Despite the delay, fans remain enthusiastic about diving into the next chapter of Rockstar Games' expansive open-world action-adventure series. Grand Theft Auto VI is now scheduled to launch on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. For the latest updates on GTA 6, be sure to check out our article below!