Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for GTA 6, but fans will have to wait a bit longer as the game is now set to launch in 2026. This delay has sparked discussions about its impact on other game releases. Let's dive into the details of this decision and what it means for the gaming industry.

Coming on May 26, 2026

Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) has been eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide, especially since the release of its first trailer. After years of speculation, Rockstar Games finally broke the silence with an official release date, albeit not the one fans were hoping for.

On May 2, via a post on Twitter (X), Rockstar Games revealed that GTA 6 will hit the shelves on May 26, 2026. This announcement came as a surprise, particularly after Take-Two Interactive, the game's publisher, had confidently stated in their Q3 2025 earnings call that GTA 6 would launch in Fall 2025.

Rockstar Games issued an apology for the delay, expressing gratitude for the fans' patience. They emphasized the need for additional time to ensure the game meets the high standards expected by their audience. "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve," they stated, promising more updates soon.

Take-Two Interactive Fully Supports Rockstar Games’ Decision

Take-Two Interactive has shown full support for Rockstar Games' decision to delay GTA 6. On May 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick shared his thoughts on the matter via a statement on their website. He highlighted the importance of allowing Rockstar Games the time needed to fulfill their creative vision for GTA 6, describing it as a "groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience that exceeds audience expectations."

This delay aligns 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. While some speculated that this move was influenced by GTA 6's release window, Gearbox has denied any such connection. Take-Two remains committed to delivering a strong lineup of games, aiming for sustained growth and enhanced shareholder value.

Devolver Digital Remains Adamant in Releasing a Game Same Day with GTA 6

In a bold move, Devolver Digital, the publisher behind Cult of the Lambs, has decided to release one of their games on the same day as GTA 6, May 26, 2026. They announced this decision on Twitter (X) on May 2, stating, "You can’t escape us." Back in March, Devolver had already expressed their intention to launch a game simultaneously with GTA 6, though they have yet to reveal which title will go head-to-head with the behemoth.

Devolver Digital has a roster of potential candidates, including sequels to popular games like Cult of the Lambs, Enter the Gungeon, and Hotline Miami, or perhaps even a new IP. This move showcases their confidence in their product and willingness to compete directly with one of the industry's biggest releases.

Meanwhile, other developers and publishers are taking a different approach. According to The Game Business Show in March, several anonymous game executives expressed their readiness to delay their games to avoid clashing with GTA 6's release window.

Despite the delay, excitement for GTA 6 remains high. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Rockstar Games' iconic open-world action-adventure series. Grand Theft Auto VI is now scheduled to launch on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated title.