Almost 1.5 years after no new trailer and months of “Will they, gained’t they,” Rockstar Video games has made it official: Grand Theft Auto 6 has been delayed. And no, it’s not coming a month later than anticipated or launching in Winter 2025. It’s now set for launch on Could twenty sixth, 2026, nearly a full 12 months from now. So sure, if you happen to’re conserving rating, we actually did get – amongst many different issues – a GTA 6 delay earlier than GTA 6.
In its assertion, Rockstar stated it was “very sorry that that is later than you anticipated” and thanked followers for his or her “curiosity and pleasure.” It additionally reiterated its objective to “attempt to exceed your expectations” with each recreation launched and that Grand Theft Auto 6 is “no exception.” “We hope you perceive that we’d like this additional time to ship on the degree of high quality you anticipate and deserve.”
It seems to be ahead to “sharing extra data with you quickly,” although “quickly” might be subsequent month or the subsequent quarter. One would assume {that a} new trailer would drop at Summer time Sport Fest or someplace in the midst of the entire Summer time of Gaming, however that appeared affordable when it was nonetheless coming this 12 months. The Sport Awards in December seems to be extra practical, and even that’s not assured.
Those that have adopted Rockstar for a very long time will attest that that is nothing new. Flashback to Grand Theft Auto 5, meant to launch in Spring 2013 however going through a delay to September that 12 months. Crimson Useless Redemption 2 suffered not one however two delays, from later in 2017 to the primary half of 2018 after which once more to October 2018. The explanations in each instances are remarkably comparable – extra time for polish was required. Within the case of Grand Theft Auto 6, it seemingly goes deeper.
Apparently, builders at Rockstar didn’t consider a Fall 2025 launch window was doable “for a really very long time,” per Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier. The alleged reasoning is simple sufficient: “An excessive amount of work, not sufficient time.” “GTA 6 slipping to 2026 has appeared inevitable for months if not longer.” Administration can be eager on avoiding “brutal crunch,” which has been the rumored objective for fairly a while now, particularly following the entire kerfuffle with Crimson Useless Redemption 2’s growth.
Curiously, in September 2024, Schreier spoke to 6 workers who hadn’t heard of a delay however clarified, “It’s an enormous, bold recreation and will very effectively slip! An excessive amount of time left to say something definitive.” Sport growth, by its very nature, is consistently in flux and if there was no inside announcement, solely the best of the higher-ups would have been aware of such particulars.
Contemplating Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick went from reaffirming the Fall 2025 window a number of instances to out of the blue saying, “There’s all the time a threat of slippage,” the chance for a delay probably arose round then.
There are all kinds of prospects on what may have modified. The sheer work essential to bug take a look at and polish the sport may take longer than anticipated. There could also be crucial points with something from NPC AI to efficiency on current-gen consoles to no matter is occurring with the supposed on-line part that requires extra time than initially estimated to take care of. It’s comprehensible, particularly if Grand Theft Auto 6 goes even larger with its AI interactions and realism or makes an attempt to painting graphical constancy near something seen within the first trailer at a good body fee.
Nevertheless, those that have adopted rumors across the recreation over the previous a number of years or so will bear in mind whispers of hassle. Improvement was allegedly restarted in early 2020, with seemingly quite a few modifications to the gameplay and narrative since earlier than that. At one level in 2021, an insider famous that followers must be apprehensive if it’s introduced that 12 months and even in early 2022 with out going into too many specifics.
Stephen Totilo additionally reported in 2022 that plans for 4 protagonists and a number of cities masking North and South America have been whittled right down to the present Vice Metropolis setting. No matter all this, for a venture apparently within the works since 2014, it’s straightforward to get antsy about potential issues, particularly when a prolonged delay has been introduced.
Additionally, keep in mind that that is probably accounting for advertising and marketing time, similar to each different recreation launch. Internally, Rockstar may purpose for a way more polished construct by early 2026, after which advertising and marketing, promoting, previews, and whatnot may kick off in earnest. If it’s not reportedly on monitor by then, one other delay, albeit shorter, wouldn’t be very shocking. A minimum of, not any extra shocking than the present delay.
Not that Take-Two would thoughts since Zelnick expects report internet bookings in fiscal 12 months 2027, which GTA 6’s new launch date falls below. That he’s touting it as “a ground-breaking, blockbuster leisure expertise that exceeds viewers expectations” and that the corporate is “steadfast in our dedication to excellence” signifies that it’s snug giving Rockstar as a lot time as wanted.
One may level to their continued losses and even their present inventory falling after the delay announcement, however Grand Theft Auto 6 might be their largest launch previously decade and the subsequent. You higher consider it is going to take as a lot time because it wants to make sure it launches with no hitch and makes all the cash.
Sarcastically, this delay could also be a blessing in disguise for the corporate, particularly with the brand new $80 worth level for video games sweeping the business. Nintendo and now Microsoft have impressed incredulity by opting into these costs, and Sony will probably comply with swimsuit. By the point Rockstar’s epic launches, $80 might be thought-about the brand new norm for such high-production triple-A releases (for higher or worse).
Contemplating how main publishers have been allegedly apprehensive about courting their video games this 12 months as a consequence of GTA 6, it’s a must to marvel how they really feel about its new window. However that’s a query for one more time.
This delay will most likely hit hardest for these clawing for extra particulars and intensive gameplay since December 2023. However have a look at it this fashion – 2025 has been completely full of high-quality releases and isn’t even on the midway level. There are nonetheless loads of huge titles to come back, like Dying Stranding 2: On the Seaside, Elden Ring Nightreign Ghost of Yotei, DOOM: The Darkish Ages, Hole Knight: Silksong, Mafia: The Previous Nation, Ninja Gaiden 4 and Metallic Gear Strong Delta: Snake Eater.
That’s not even contemplating all of the bulletins coming in June when the same old showcases roll out. If nothing else, revisit Crimson Useless Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto 5. Both method, there’s sufficient to maintain you busy till 2026 and the inevitable hype cycle that GTA 6’s launch will carry.
