The wait for Grand Theft Auto VI just got a lot longer. Rockstar Games, the creators of one of the most beloved video game franchises of all time, announced on Friday that the launch of the much-anticipated game has been pushed back to May 26, 2026. This delay comes after years of speculation, leaks, and teasers that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Rockstar’s Apology and Commitment to Quality
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rockstar Games took to social media to apologize for the delay and offered a message to the dedicated fanbase. The company stated, “With every game we have released, the goal has been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception.”
The statement continued, “We hope you understand we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”
This announcement left many questioning the reasons behind the delay. Rockstar did not provide specifics on why the game’s release was delayed from the expected fall of 2025 to May 2026, but the focus was clear: delivering a product that meets the high standards that fans have come to expect from the GTA series.
Take-Two Interactive CEO Weighs In
Take-Two Interactive, the parent company behind Rockstar, also addressed the delay. Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO of Take-Two, issued a supportive statement, reiterating the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering a groundbreaking experience.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence,” Zelnick said, acknowledging the massive global anticipation for the game. “While we take the movement of our titles seriously and appreciate the vast and deep global anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI, we expect to deliver a multi-year period of growth in our business and enhanced value for our shareholders.”
Despite the delay, Zelnick assured fans that GTA VI would be worth the wait. He emphasized that Rockstar’s creative vision would be fully realized, and the final product would exceed expectations.
The Impact on Take-Two’s Stock Price
The delay had an immediate financial impact on Take-Two Interactive. Shares of the company fell nearly 7% on the day following the announcement, reflecting the disappointment of investors who had hoped for a more immediate payoff from the release of the game. However, analysts remain optimistic that Rockstar’s reputation for delivering high-quality titles will ultimately benefit Take-Two in the long run.
Fans React to the Setback
The response from the Grand Theft Auto community has been mixed. While many fans expressed their disappointment at the delay, some showed understanding, noting that delays are nothing new for the franchise. The anticipation for GTA VI has been building for years, and some fans on Reddit joked that they wouldn’t be shocked if this release date also ended up being delayed once again.
However, others were more optimistic. “At least we finally have an official release date,” one Reddit user wrote, suggesting that having a specific release date this time around meant the game would finally arrive.
The Trailer Leak and New Details on GTA VI
In 2023, Grand Theft Auto VI made waves when a trailer for the game was leaked online. Rockstar, in response to the leak, dropped the trailer 15 hours earlier than planned. The 90-second teaser gave fans a glimpse of the next chapter in the series, showcasing a Miami-inspired Vice City and offering the first-ever look at a female protagonist, Lucia.
Fans were excited by the prospect of a new direction for the game, particularly with the introduction of a female lead, which would be a first for the GTA franchise. However, it remains unclear whether this new protagonist and setting will remain a central part of the game, especially with the recent delay.
As fans eagerly await more information, the question remains: will Grand Theft Auto VI live up to the years of hype and anticipation? Only time will tell, but with Rockstar’s track record of delivering some of the most groundbreaking games in history, expectations are sure to remain sky-high.
A Long Wait Ahead for Fans
Although the news of the delay has been a blow to fans hoping for a 2024 release, it’s clear that Rockstar Games is determined to create a game that will live up to the monumental success of its predecessors. As we count down the months to May 2026, one thing is certain: when Grand Theft Auto VI finally drops, it’s likely to be an unforgettable experience.
