The gaming world has been dealt a significant blow as Rockstar Games officially announces another delay for its hugely anticipated title, Grand Theft Auto VI. The sequel, which was slated for a Spring 2025 release, has now been pushed back to the end of 2026.
A New Release Date for a Long-Awaited Sequel
In a statement released on the social media platform X, the developer confirmed the revised schedule. Grand Theft Auto VI will now launch on Thursday, November 19, 2026. This marks the second major delay for the project, moving it from its original late 2025 window and then from a speculated May 2025 date.
Rockstar Games addressed the growing impatience from its fanbase directly, stating, "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." The game has been in active development at Rockstar North in Edinburgh since 2018, with support from studios globally.
What We Know About GTA VI
The first trailer, which premiered in December 2023, introduced players to the sun-drenched, Vice City setting—a fictionalised version of Miami located in the Florida-like state of Leonida. The story will focus on a duo of criminals, Jason and Lucia, who are romantically involved, a first for the mainline series.
The wait for this new entry has been extensive. By the time of its release in late 2026, it will have been over 15 years since the launch of Grand Theft Auto V in 2013. That predecessor title has been a phenomenal commercial success, generating a staggering $8.6 billion in revenue for publisher Take-Two Interactive.
Broader Implications for the Gaming Industry
This delay is more than just a disappointment for fans; it has wider repercussions for the video game market. Many industry analysts had hoped that GTA VI would help revive a struggling games industry, which has seen a significant contraction following a boom during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rockstar Games' last major release was the critically acclaimed Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018, which itself earned $725 million in its opening weekend. The studio's reputation for high-quality, blockbuster experiences has set immense expectations for Grand Theft Auto VI, justifying the extended development time in the eyes of many, even as patience wears thin.
For players, the countdown continues, now set for a November 2026 arrival for what is poised to be one of the biggest entertainment releases of the decade.
