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May 2, 2025
Rockstar Games has officially pushed back the release of Grand Theft Auto VI to May 2026, dashing hopes of a fall 2025 launch and leaving eager fans waiting even longer for one of the most anticipated video games in history. The delay, confirmed by parent company Take-Two Interactive on Friday, sent shockwaves through the gaming and financial communities alike—Take-Two shares fell sharply, tumbling 10% in premarket trading.
In a statement, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed full support for Rockstar’s decision to take additional development time.
“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,” Zelnick said. “While we take the movement of our titles seriously and appreciate the vast and deep global anticipation for GTA VI, we remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence.”
A Delay for Polish, Not Panic
According to Rockstar Games, the decision was not made lightly. In a post published on their website, the development team offered a heartfelt apology to fans:
“We are very sorry that this is later than you expected. The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team. We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game.”
The studio emphasized that delivering a product that lives up to fan expectations takes time. “With every game we have released, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception.”
This marks another delay in the timeline of GTA VI, which had originally been hinted at for a 2025 release. Until now, Rockstar had stood by a fall 2025 release window, suggesting a potential September–November launch. But with other major titles like Borderlands 4 and NBA 2K26 planned for that same period, it’s likely Rockstar wanted to avoid overcrowding the slate.
What We Know So Far
Despite the delays, excitement for Grand Theft Auto VI has only grown. The first—and so far, only—trailer for the game dropped in December 2023 and quickly became a global sensation. It has since racked up over 200 million views on YouTube, making it one of the most-viewed video game trailers ever.
Set in Leonida, a fictional state inspired by Florida, GTA VI marks a return to Vice City, a fan-favorite location in the franchise. For the first time, players will also get to experience the story from the perspective of Lucia, the series’ first female protagonist. She and her partner, whose narrative seems to be inspired by Bonnie and Clyde, are expected to bring a new dynamic to Rockstar’s trademark mix of crime, chaos, and commentary.
At launch, the game will be available exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. As with previous Rockstar releases, the PC version is expected to arrive later, though no official timeline has been confirmed.
PC Players Left Out—For Now
PC gamers, who already endured a lengthy wait for Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2, are bracing for a similar situation. Rockstar has not provided a release window for the PC version of GTA VI, but if history is any indication, it could take anywhere from 12 to 24 months after the console release.
While GTA V hit consoles in 2013 and PCs in 2015, Red Dead Redemption 2 followed a shorter cycle—releasing on PC one year after its console debut. Based on this, GTA VI could potentially reach PCs in late 2026 or 2027.
Still, the delay has left many fans frustrated. Reddit user ServiusTheBear lamented, “This is so annoying. Why are PC folk having to wait till next year! It should be out at the same time as the consoles. I wanna play it but I don’t want to play it on console.” Another, MrBruce001, quipped, “S**t, I gonna retire by then,” voicing a sentiment many long-time fans seem to share.
Long Wait, High Expectations
Despite the disappointment, many fans and analysts understand Rockstar’s caution. The Grand Theft Auto franchise is one of the best-selling in entertainment history, and with expectations this high, a rushed release could damage not only the brand’s reputation but its future profitability.
GTA V has sold more than 185 million copies to date and generated billions in revenue. It has remained a cultural mainstay for over a decade, helped along by its ever-evolving online component, GTA Online. Rockstar knows GTA VI must not only follow in those massive footsteps—it must surpass them.
For now, Rockstar is keeping a tight lid on further details, with no new gameplay footage or major updates expected until later this year.
As fans continue to dissect every frame of the original trailer and speculate on what lies ahead in Vice City, one thing is certain: Grand Theft Auto VI has already cemented its place as the most anticipated video game of the decade—and it hasn’t even launched yet.