Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for GTA 6, but fans will have to wait until 2026 to get their hands on the game. Let's dive into the reasons behind this delay and how it impacts 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 anticipated games in the industry, with fans eagerly awaiting its release since the first trailer was unveiled. After years of speculation, Rockstar Games finally revealed that GTA 6 will launch on May 26, 2026. This announcement came as a surprise, especially following Take-Two Interactive's Q3 2025 earnings call, where they expressed confidence in a Fall 2025 release.

In a Twitter (X) post on May 2, Rockstar Games apologized for the delay and thanked fans for their patience. They emphasized their commitment to delivering a high-quality product, stating, "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, the publisher behind GTA 6, fully supports Rockstar Games' decision to delay the game's release. In a statement released on their website on May 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed his support, saying, "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 delay aligns well with Take-Two's strategy of spacing out their game releases. Just last week, Gearbox Entertainment, another Take-Two subsidiary, announced that Borderlands 4 would launch two weeks earlier than initially planned. Although some speculated that this move was influenced by GTA 6's release window, Gearbox clarified that Borderlands 4's launch date change was not influenced by other games.

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 response to GTA 6's new release date, Cult of the Lamb's publisher, Devolver Digital, decided to launch one of their games on the same day—May 26, 2026. In a bold move, Devolver Digital announced on Twitter (X) on May 2, "You can’t escape us."

Back in March, Devolver had already stated their intention to release a game on the same day and time as GTA 6. While they haven't revealed which game will go head-to-head with GTA 6, Devolver has several titles that could be contenders, including potential sequels to Cult of the Lamb, Enter the Gungeon, Hotline Miami, or even a new IP.

Conversely, other developers and publishers are planning to avoid GTA 6's release window. According to The Game Business Show in March, multiple anonymous game executives confirmed they are prepared to delay their games to steer clear of GTA 6's launch.

Despite the delay, fans remain excited about the next installment in Rockstar Games' iconic open-world action-adventure series. Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to be released on May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates on the game by checking out our related articles below!