GTA 6 Release Pushed Back Before Announcement

Rockstar Games has officially announced the release date for GTA 6, but fans will have to wait a bit longer as the launch has been delayed until 2026. This shift has stirred discussions about its impact on other game releases. Let's dive into the details and understand the reasoning behind this decision.

GTA 6 Release Date Announced

Coming on May 26, 2026

Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) is one of the most eagerly awaited games in the industry. Since the release of its first trailer, fans have been on the edge of their seats. However, Rockstar Games recently shared a surprising update via a Twitter (X) post on May 2, announcing that GTA 6 will now launch on May 26, 2026. This news came as a shock, especially after Take-Two Interactive's Q3 2025 earnings call hinted at a Fall 2025 release.

Rockstar Games expressed their apologies for the delay and extended gratitude to their fans for their patience. They emphasized the need for additional time to ensure the game meets the high standards their community expects and deserves. They promised to share more details soon.

Take-Two Interactive Fully Supports Rockstar Games’ Decision

Take-Two Interactive has thrown their full support behind Rockstar Games' decision to delay GTA 6. On May 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick released a statement on their website, underscoring the importance of allowing Rockstar the time needed to fully realize their creative vision. He stated, "We support fully Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto VI, which promises to be a groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience that exceeds audience expectations."

This decision aligns with Take-Two's previous comments about their titles potentially releasing close to each other. Just last week, Gearbox Entertainment, another Take-Two subsidiary, announced that Borderlands 4 would launch two weeks earlier than planned. While many speculated that this move was influenced by GTA 6's release window, Gearbox denied any such connection. Despite these shifts, Take-Two remains committed to delivering excellence and anticipates a multi-year period of 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 launch their own game on the same day as GTA 6, May 26, 2026. They announced this on Twitter (X) on May 2, stating, "You can’t escape us." Back in March, Devolver had already declared their intention to release a game simultaneously with GTA 6, though they have yet to reveal which title will go head-to-head with Rockstar's behemoth. Potential candidates include sequels to Cult of the Lambs, Enter the Gungeon, Hotline Miami, or even a new IP.

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

Despite the delay, the excitement for Grand Theft Auto VI remains undiminished. Fans are eager to explore the next chapter of Rockstar Games' iconic open-world action-adventure series. GTA 6 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 game!