Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to launch on May 26, 2026, approximately six months later than its original Fall 2025 window. Rockstar Games confirmed the delay in a brief statement, citing the need for more development time to meet the studio’s usual standards. The team apologized for the shift but says the extra time is necessary to deliver the quality fans expect.
This marks the first major update on the game since its debut trailer in late 2023. Here’s what we know about the delay, the setting, and what it means for the long-awaited next chapter in the Grand Theft Auto series.
Rockstar Explains the Delay
In a message posted to its official website, Rockstar addressed the delay directly:
“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.”
The studio reiterated its goal of exceeding expectations with every release and said Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception. The message closed by promising more updates soon, though no new trailers or gameplay footage were included with the announcement.
Rockstar did not cite any specific development challenges, but emphasized its commitment to quality. The studio’s reputation for polish—and long development timelines—makes this delay unsurprising for many longtime fans.
Vice City, Lucia, and What We Know So Far
GTA VI takes place in a modern version of Vice City, the Miami-inspired setting last seen in the 2002 classic. The story follows Lucia, the series’ first female lead, and is said to draw inspiration from Bonnie and Clyde, suggesting a dual-protagonist setup focused on crime, loyalty, and escape.
The debut trailer, released in December 2023, showed off the game’s updated visuals, social media elements, and various open-world locations. While details remain limited, fans picked apart every frame for clues, spotting familiar landmarks, new mechanics, and hints at a larger map.
Rockstar hasn’t shared gameplay footage or a second trailer yet, and the delay likely means new information won’t arrive for a while. That said, expectations are high—especially with GTA V still going strong more than a decade after launch.
What the Delay Means and What’s Next
The delay to May 2026 pushes Grand Theft Auto VI further into the next generation of console gaming. While the game is confirmed for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, Rockstar has not yet announced a PC release. If past trends hold, PC users may be waiting even longer after console launch.
In the meantime, Grand Theft Auto V remains one of the most-played games in the world. It recently topped Twitch’s most-watched list for 2024, proving the franchise still has momentum heading into its next chapter.
Personally, I was hoping we’d be playing GTA VI before the end of 2025. It’s disappointing to wait longer, but I’d rather Rockstar take the time it needs than release something half-baked. The first trailer already showed a ton of promise, and I’m excited to explore Vice City when it’s truly ready.
Are you still excited for Grand Theft Auto VI despite the delay? What do you hope to see in Vice City’s return? Let us know in the comments below.
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