GTA 6 Release Delayed Before Announcement

Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), but fans will have to wait until 2026. Dive in to understand the reasoning behind this delay and its impact on other game launches.

GTA 6 Release Date Announced

Coming on May 26, 2026

Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) has been one of the most eagerly awaited titles in gaming, with fans buzzing since the first trailer was released. After a long period of silence, Rockstar Games finally shared the release date, which has taken many by surprise.

On May 2, through a Twitter (X) post, Rockstar Games announced that GTA 6 will hit the shelves on May 26, 2026. This news comes as a shock, especially after Take-Two Interactive hinted during their Q3 2025 earnings call that they expected GTA 6 to launch in Fall 2025.

Rockstar Games issued an apology for the delay and expressed gratitude for the fans' patience. They explained, "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.

Take-Two Interactive Fully Supports Rockstar Games’ Decision

Take-Two Interactive stands firmly behind Rockstar Games' decision to push back the release of GTA 6. In a statement released on their website on May 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick elaborated on the change in schedule.

He stated, "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 potential overlapping release dates for their titles. Last week, Gearbox Entertainment, another Take-Two subsidiary, announced that Borderlands 4 would launch two weeks earlier. While many speculated that this move was influenced by GTA 6's release window, Gearbox has clarified that Borderlands 4's new date is not a response to other game launches.

Take-Two remains committed to 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, Cult of the Lambs publisher Devolver Digital has decided to release one of their games on the same day as GTA 6. On May 2, Devolver Digital tweeted, "You can’t escape us," confirming that their game will also launch on May 26, 2026.

Back in March, Devolver Digital had already announced their intention to launch a game simultaneously with GTA 6. While they haven't revealed which title will go head-to-head with GTA 6, they have several potential candidates, including sequels to Cult of the Lambs, Enter the Gungeon, Hotline Miami, or even a brand new IP.

Conversely, other game developers and publishers are opting to avoid clashing with GTA 6's release. The Game Business Show reported in March that numerous anonymous game executives are prepared to delay their games to sidestep GTA 6's launch window.

Despite the delay, excitement for GTA 6 remains high. Fans are eagerly anticipating the next installment in Rockstar Games' expansive open-world action-adventure series. Grand Theft Auto VI is now scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates by checking out our article below!