Rockstar Games, the developer behind the Grand Theft Auto series, announced on November 7, 2025, that Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) has been delayed once again, pushing its release to Thursday, November 19, 2026. This marks the latest postponement for the highly anticipated open-world crime epic, which was originally slated for a fall 2025 launch before being shifted to May 26, 2026, and now extended by several more months. In an official statement shared via a detailed X post, Rockstar expressed sincere apologies to fans for prolonging the wait, emphasizing that the additional time is essential to deliver the game with the exceptional polish and quality that players have come to expect from the franchise. The studio highlighted its excitement for the title, describing it as an opportunity for players to dive into the sprawling fictional state of Leonida—a modern-day reimagining of Florida—including a nostalgic return to the neon-lit streets of Vice City from GTA: Vice City.
The game’s narrative centers on a criminal duo, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, whose adventures promise a blend of high-stakes heists, exploration, and satirical storytelling in a vibrant, expansive world. This installment arrives over a decade after Grand Theft Auto V’s 2013 debut, which remains a cultural and commercial juggernaut, having sold more than 220 million copies worldwide as of 2025 and ranking as the second-highest-selling video game of all time. Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive, has long pinned massive revenue expectations on GTA VI, projecting it to drive significant growth amid the series’ enduring popularity. However, the repeated delays have not been without consequences; following the announcement, Take-Two’s stock plunged by 7% in after-hours trading, reflecting investor concerns over the shifted timeline and potential revenue shortfalls.
Industry reactions have been mixed, with gamers expressing frustration over the extended anticipation—some online memes and posts lamenting the “eternal wait” and joking about the developers’ timelines—while others acknowledge the value of prioritizing quality in a title expected to redefine open-world gaming. The delay is also rippling through the 2026 release calendar, potentially crowding the fall window and forcing other major titles to adjust schedules to avoid direct competition with GTA VI’s blockbuster draw. Despite the setback, Rockstar reiterated its gratitude for fan patience, underscoring the game’s ambitious scope and commitment to excellence in a competitive landscape where polished experiences like those in the GTA series continue to set benchmarks.
Source: Rockstar Games
