The highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) will not hit its planned Fall 2025 release, with Rockstar Games confirming a new launch date of May 26, 2026. This delay was described as "inevitable" by developers at Rockstar, according to insights shared by Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier on Bluesky.
Schreier took it to Bluesky after Take-Two and Rockstar Games officially announced the delay of GTA 6, saying that Rockstar employees had long been skeptical about meeting the Fall 2025 window. "Nobody I’ve talked to at Rockstar has believed Fall 2025 was a real window for a very long time now," he wrote, citing "too much work, not enough time" as a key factor.
He also noted a shift in Rockstar’s approach, with management prioritizing better working conditions to avoid the intense crunch periods that defined Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2’s development. This focus on employee well-being, while positive, has contributed to the extended timeline. He wrote on Bluesky:
Skepticism is always healthy, but I've been keeping tabs on this for years (since my big 2018 story about Red Dead 2's crunch). They certainly haven't eliminated all overtime but everyone I've talked to at Rockstar says it's night and day from previous projects. If that changes, I'll report on it.
For those closely tracking GTA VI developments, Schreier’s reporting has proven consistently reliable. In recent years, he has provided accurate details about the game, including correctly predicting the release timing of its record-breaking 2023 reveal trailer. Back in July 2022, he accurately reported that GTA 6 would feature a woman and a man as the protagonists, noting that “the woman, who is Latina, will be one of a pair of leading characters in a story influenced by the bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde.” He also mentioned that the game would be set in Vice City.
Rockstar’s Assurance of Quality
Rockstar addressed the delay via social media, apologizing to fans and emphasizing their commitment to quality. "We are very sorry that this is later than you expected," the statement read. "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." The company promised upcoming updates, potentially including a second trailer or new screenshots, to keep fans engaged during the wait.
The delay aligns with Rockstar’s history of postponing major releases to ensure polish, as seen with Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2. Fan reactions have been mixed, with some expressing frustration on platforms like Reddit, while others appreciate Rockstar’s dedication to quality. The shift to 2026 also impacts Take-Two Interactive’s financial outlook, with shares dropping roughly 10% on May 2, 2025, following the announcement.
You can read the full statement from Rockstar Games in the tweet below:
What’s Next for GTA VI
Set in a modern Vice City within the fictional state of Leonida, GTA VI promises a groundbreaking open-world experience with a Bonnie and Clyde-inspired narrative. While the delay extends the wait, Schreier’s report suggests Rockstar’s cautious approach aims to deliver a game that meets its monumental expectations.
We can expect Rockstar to reveal the second trailer and other previews for GTA 6 this year. You can watch the first trailer for GTA 6 below:
