Rockstar Games has officially confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI will be released on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. This announcement came after the game was initially planned for a 2025 release window.

The delay announcement was made on May 2, 2025, providing fans with a concrete release date after months of speculation. The additional development time allows Rockstar to deliver the highest quality experience while maintaining their commitment to avoiding the controversial "crunch culture" that has plagued the gaming industry.

Why the Delay?

According to Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier, the delay was implemented to avoid enforced overtime and maintain healthy working conditions for developers. Rockstar was previously criticized for excessive work hours during Red Dead Redemption 2's development, and the company has since implemented policies prioritizing employee welfare.

Rockstar stated they needed extra time to "deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve." The company has a reputation for perfectionism, and this delay ensures GTA 6 meets the extraordinarily high expectations set by the franchise's previous entries.

Market Impact

Take-Two Interactive's stock dropped by 10% following the delay announcement, as the gaming industry was banking on GTA 6 to boost console sales and break software sales records. However, analysts remain optimistic about the game's long-term potential and financial impact.

Having a firm release date allows other publishers to plan their own releases, avoiding direct competition with what is expected to be the biggest gaming launch in history. The May 2026 timing positions the game perfectly for the spring gaming season.