Grand Theft Auto VI is delayed — again

Rockstar Games has announced another delay for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI), pushing the release of one of the most anticipated video games in history to November 19, 2026.

Initially planned for fall 2025, the game was later postponed to May 2026 before Thursday’s announcement confirmed a further six-month delay.

“We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realize has been a long wait,” Rockstar said in a statement. “But these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve.”

A Decade in the Making

GTA VI will be the long-awaited sequel to Grand Theft Auto V, which debuted in 2013 and has since become one of the best-selling entertainment products of all time. According to Guinness World Records, GTA V generated $1 billion in sales within three days of release — making it the fastest entertainment property in history to reach that milestone.

The excitement for GTA VI has been similarly unprecedented. When Rockstar released the game’s official trailer in December 2023, it broke the YouTube record for the most views in 24 hours for a non-music video.

Reasons for the Delay

Rockstar did not elaborate on specific reasons for the latest postponement. However, the studio stated that the additional time will be used to ensure the final product meets its high standards of production and quality.

The delay comes just a week after reports surfaced that Rockstar had terminated between 30 and 40 employees for allegedly sharing confidential information in a private Discord server, which may have impacted internal timelines and workflow.

Fans React to Yet Another Wait

While some fans expressed disappointment at yet another delay, many within the gaming community say they would prefer Rockstar take the time needed to deliver a polished final experience.

GTA VI has already become a cultural phenomenon long before release — a rare feat in gaming history — with millions of fans dissecting every frame of the trailer and every rumoured leak.

With the new November 2026 release window, GTA VI will arrive 13 years after GTA V, making it one of the most extended development cycles for any major video game franchise.