Rockstar Games has officially announced that Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) has been delayed once again, pushing its highly anticipated release date from May 26, 2026, to November 19, 2026. This confirmation aligns with earlier rumours and leaves fans worldwide disappointed but still hopeful for what’s shaping up to be the biggest game launch in history.
In a statement released on Friday, Rockstar expressed regret over the delay but emphasized that the additional time will help the team achieve the polish and performance players expect from the iconic franchise.
“Grand Theft Auto VI will now be released on Thursday, November 19, 2026,” the studio wrote. “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.”
Rockstar added that the team is “incredibly excited” for players to experience the next chapter in the GTA series even if it takes a little longer than expected.
What the GTA 6 Delay Means for Fans and the Industry
This marks the second official delay for GTA 6, extending the wait by another six months. Originally announced in December 2023 with a 2025 target window, the open-world crime epic has now been pushed back to late 2026.
Given that Grand Theft Auto 5 launched back in 2013, fans have been waiting for more than a decade for its successor. With expectations sky-high, Rockstar is likely taking every precaution to ensure the game launches flawlessly across PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The delay also has ripple effects across the gaming industry. Major publishers may now reconsider their 2026 release calendars, as few would risk launching alongside a cultural juggernaut like GTA 6. One such title is Marvel’s Wolverine, which was expected to debut in fall 2026. With GTA 6 now occupying that slot, it’s possible that Wolverine could be pushed to 2027.
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The Hype Around GTA 6 Continues to Build
Ever since Rockstar dropped the first GTA 6 trailer in December 2023 which has since crossed 268 million views on YouTube excitement has been off the charts. The trailer introduced fans to Vice City’s next-gen return, along with a duo of protagonists set to redefine the series.
Despite the delay, anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6 hasn’t waned. Many expect Rockstar to release a new gameplay trailer soon to make up for the disappointment and showcase what the extra development time is delivering.
GTA 6 Release Date and Platforms
Grand Theft Auto 6 is now officially set to launch on November 19, 2026, exclusively for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. PC release details remain unconfirmed, as Rockstar typically launches console versions first.
Rockstar has described GTA 6 as the “largest game launch in history”, and even with the delay, it’s clear the studio is preparing to deliver something monumental.