GUWAHATI: Rockstar Games has announced that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) will now be released on May 26, 2026, disappointing fans who were expecting a launch this year. The game was originally scheduled for release in 2025, following its first official trailer in December 2023.
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In a statement, Rockstar apologised to fans, stating that more time was required to polish the game. “We are very sorry that this is later than you expected. The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling. We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game,” the company said.
However, the delay marks nearly 13 years since the last mainline instalment, GTA V, which was released in 2013. Fans took to social media expressing frustration, with many criticising the long development cycle and lack of updates following the initial trailer.
“If you are gonna delay it, at least give us some screenshots,” one user wrote on X. Others noted that PC gamers may have to wait until 2028 for access to the game, given Rockstar's usual console-first release pattern. A user commented, “One more year of ‘We got _ before GTA 6’,” reflecting a growing meme trend mocking the long wait.
GTA VI is set to feature dual protagonists, Lucia and Jason, characters reportedly inspired by infamous American criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. The trailer showed glimpses of a modernised Vice City, raising expectations among long-time fans.
In 2022, more than 90 gameplay clips of the under-development game were leaked online. At the time, speculation about a delay was high, though Rockstar had continued to affirm a 2025 release window.
Despite the setback, GTA remains one of the most successful AAA franchises globally. GTA V’s online mode continues to be a significant revenue generator, with microtransactions contributing billions to Rockstar’s earnings.