Rockstar Games has officially delayed Grand Theft Auto 6 to 19 November 2026. The sequel, hyped as one of gaming’s biggest releases ever, was first set for autumn 2025, then May 2026. This marks the second major pushback for the title.
In a statement, Rockstar said the extra months are needed to deliver the level of polish fans “expect and deserve”. The studio apologized for extending the wait and thanked players for their patience. “Sorry for adding additional time”, the statement read, but the team remains “incredibly excited” for fans to explore Leonida, a fictional state inspired by Florida, and a modern Vice City.
Why the Delay Matters
For players, this means the wait for GTA 6 now stretches to over a decade since GTA 5 dropped in 2013. The last entry remains a juggernaut, thanks to its online mode, but anticipation for a true sequel has only grown. The delay pushes back any hope of diving into the new setting, characters, and storylines until late 2026.
Delays from Rockstar aren’t new-Red Dead Redemption 2 also slipped by about a year before launch. The studio’s reputation for perfectionism means fans can expect a highly polished product, but patience is wearing thin. Social media exploded with reactions ranging from memes to genuine frustration. Streamer IShowSpeed quipped, “I’m gonna be 50 before this game comes out. I might have kids, I might have a wife.” Even the Lofi Girl account joked she might graduate before the game launches.
Some players, though, prefer a delay over a rushed, buggy release. The sentiment: better late than broken. But with development costs soaring and expectations sky-high, the stakes for GTA 6 are massive. When it does finally drop, it’s expected to be one of the most expensive-and likely best-selling-games ever made.
Behind the Scenes: Studio Tensions
Not all news is about polish and patience. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) accused Rockstar of sacking UK staff to prevent unionization. Rallies outside the company’s Edinburgh and London offices followed. The BBC reports that Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent, has been approached for comment.
The bottom line
- GTA 6 won’t hit shelves until November 2026-add another year to your countdown.
- Expectations for polish are sky-high, but fans’ patience is running low.
- Labor disputes and development costs add more pressure to Rockstar’s biggest project yet.
For now, GTA 5 will have to keep the crime sprees going. If you’re waiting for Jason and Lucia’s story in Leonida, mark your calendar and brace for the long haul.