In a move fans probably saw coming, the most anticipated video game release of 2025 has been pushed back. Grand Theft Auto VI, the long-awaited sequel to the still-popular GTA V, is now launching on 26 May 2026, instead of the initial Fall 2025 release window.
This comes after publisher Take-Two Interactive previously assured fans that the game was on track to meet the targeted date, but the commitment to “deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve” prompted the need for extra time.
Taking to the official website, developer Rockstar Games apologised for the delay in a statement:
“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 for our entire team. We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game.
With every game we have released, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception. We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve.
We look forward to sharing more information with you soon.”
The postponed release means upcoming competing titles can heave a sigh of relief, with Borderlands 4, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Ghost of Yotei, and more leading the heavyweight lineup between Fall 2025 and May 2026. Nintendo, which is gearing up for its Switch 2 debut in June (and July to September for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines), will also benefit from the date change.
Following news of the delay, Take-Two’s stock price dropped eight percent in premarket trading on the NASDAQ. The hype is far from an exaggeration – the announcement trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI surpassed 90 million views within the first 24 hours of release, securing a place in the Guinness World Records.
Story details about the long-awaited sequel remain under wraps, but it will be set in modern-day Leonida, a fictionalised version of Florida, and feature the protagonist pair of Lucia and Jason. There’s no confirmation of launch platforms, although a PS5, Xbox X|S, and PC release can be expected.
Grand Theft Auto VI arrives sometime in May 2026.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
