Collective sighs of relief (from publishers anxious to set release dates for new games this year) and groans of disappointment (from fans) as Rockstar Games announced a delay in plans to release Grand Theft Auto VI today.

In a press release published on the developer’s website today, the team behind GTA VI revealed the game will release on May 26, 2026. Rockstar thanks fans for their patience and interest in the upcoming game, citing the need for extra time to “deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.”

This delay comes amid a broader trend of high-profile postponements in the gaming industry. With development costs soaring and player expectations at an all-time high, studios like Rockstar are under immense pressure to deliver flawless experiences. The success of GTA V and GTA Online, which continue to generate billions in revenue, affords Rockstar the financial flexibility to prioritize quality over speed, a luxury smaller developers can’t always take advantage of.

Analysts predict the delay could impact Take-Two Interactive’s stock, Rockstar’s parent company, though the long-term payoff of a polished GTA VI is expected to outweigh short-term losses. The game’s release is now poised to dominate the summer of 2026, potentially clashing with other major titles yet to be announced. However those publishers anxious not to have their new titles rubbing elbows with what will likely be a sure contender for Game of the Year can now breathe a sigh of relief. (Our prediction? Expect a slew of release announcements over the coming weeks.)

While Rockstar has remained tight-lipped about specifics, GTA VI is expected to return to the sun-soaked, fictional state of Leonida, inspired by Florida, with Vice City as a central hub. The game will reportedly feature two protagonists, a male and female duo, in a sprawling narrative blending heists, crime, and social satire. Leaked gameplay snippets (unofficially circulated in 2022) hinted at unprecedented NPC density, dynamic weather systems, and a robust online mode that could rival GTA Online’s longevity.

The delay pushes GTA VI further into the lifecycle of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, raising expectations for a visually stunning and technically ambitious title. PC players, however, may face an even longer wait, as Rockstar traditionally releases its titles on consoles first.

For now, Rockstar has promised “more to share in the coming months,” likely referring to new trailers or gameplay reveals. The studio’s history suggests a marketing blitz will ramp up closer to release, with detailed previews showcasing GTA VI’s world and mechanics.

In the meantime, fans can revisit GTA V or dive into GTA Online’s latest updates, which continue to receive regular content drops. For those craving fresh content, Rockstar’s silence on other projects, like the Max Payne remakes, or even Red Dead Redemption 3, leaves GTA VI as the sole focus of speculation.

The delay of Grand Theft Auto VI to May 2026 is a bitter pill for fans, but Rockstar’s track record suggests the wait will be worth it.