GTA Is Coming On May 26, 2026
Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) is to be delayed until May 26, 2026. This announcement came earlier this month, shocking many who had expected the game to launch in the fall of 2025 after a long wait of nearly 12 years since the release of GTA 5.
Rockstar Games, the developer behind GTA 6, revealed that the delay was necessary to "achieve the quality you expect and deserve," emphasizing their commitment to delivering a polished and immersive experience without resorting to excessive crunch time for their employees. This decision also reflects Rockstar's history of prioritizing quality over rushed releases. The delay has had a ripple effect across the gaming industry, forcing other publishers and developers to reconsider their release schedules to avoid clashing with what is expected to be a blockbuster launch. Some studios have already postponed their own games to spring 2026 to steer clear of GTA 6's release window, while others are anxiously hoping for further delays to gain more breathing room.
GTA 6 Development Time
GTA 6 has been in development since 2018, following the completion of Red Dead Redemption 2. By the time of its release in 2026, the game will have been in production for about eight years - a notably long development cycle but not unusual given the scale and ambition of Rockstar’s projects. The gap between GTA 5 and GTA 6 will be nearly 13 years, significantly longer than previous intervals between GTA installments.
GTA 6 Trailers Revealed Two Main Characters: Jason & Lucia
GTA 6 is set in the fictional state of Leonida, with Vice City - a location inspired by Miami, making a prominent return. The story centers on two main characters, Jason and Lucia, who are involved in a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde-style crime saga. The recent trailer released alongside the delay announcement offered fans a deeper look into their backgrounds and the expansive open world they will navigate. Jason is portrayed as a troubled youth who joined the military to escape his past but fell back into crime, while Lucia is introduced as someone recently released from prison after protecting her family. The trailer showcases a mix of action-packed sequences, romantic moments, and vibrant environments, highlighting Rockstar’s ambition to blend narrative depth with a richly detailed world.
GTA 6 All Leaks & Releases
In September 2022, a user known as "teapotuberhacker" revealed GTA 6 information by publishing 90 videos showing roughly 50 minutes of work-in-progress game footage on the GTAForums website. The hacker claimed to have accessed the data by breaching Rockstar's internal feed on the Slack messaging app.
Due to Take-Two Interactive's actions, finding the original leaked content is difficult. Take-Two submitted takedown requests for videos showing or discussing the leaks hosted on YouTube and contacted GTAForums and Reddit moderators to remove access.
Rockstar Games first revealed detailed information about Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) in December 2023. This reveal included the debut trailer, which was actually released a day earlier than planned due to an early leak. This marked the official confirmation of the game after years of rumors and speculation.
Following the initial reveal, Rockstar has released additional trailers and updates, including a second trailer in early 2025 and announcements about the game's release date and delay. The game is scheduled for release on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with PC release timing still uncertain.
Anticipation and Future Prospects
Despite the delay, Rockstar Games has maintained a steady marketing campaign, including the release of a second trailer that set new records for online viewership. The company is expected to continue revealing more details as the new release date approaches, keeping fans engaged while ensuring the final product meets high expectations.
While the postponement of GTA 6 to May 2026 extends the wait for fans, it underscores Rockstar’s dedication to quality and innovation. The delay also reflects broader industry dynamics, as other game developers adjust their plans in response to the anticipated impact of GTA 6’s launch. With nearly a year to go, anticipation remains high for what promises to be a landmark entry in the Grand Theft Auto series.