Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), Rockstar Games’ long-awaited open-world game, has already been delayed from Fall 2025 to May 26, 2026 earlier this month, but a new report suggests that even this date may slip further, heightening uncertainty in the gaming industry. The shift has sent shockwaves through publishers, who are scrambling to adjust release schedules as GTA 6's dominance continues to reshape the market.
A Bloomberg report highlights the chaos sparked by Rockstar’s decision to delay GTA 6, noting that some developers, including EA, welcomed the delay of Grand Theft Auto VI, as it alleviated scheduling conflicts. EA had been carefully navigating the release timeline for its next Battlefield title to avoid overlapping with Rockstar’s juggernaut. With GTA 6's May 2026 date now set, EA CEO Andrew Wilson stated, “We believe that window is clearer than it was before", signaling relief for the California-based gaming giant.
However, one developer, working on a major multiplayer title, told Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier that their team had already pushed their game from Fall 2025 to Spring 2026 to avoid clashing with GTA 6. Now, they face a costly dilemma: delaying again could jeopardize profitability, but releasing alongside GTA 6 risks being overshadowed. Schreier himself emphasized the uncertainty, stating, “There’s no guarantee that May 2026 is a sure thing,” casting further doubt on the timeline.
Rockstar’s commitment to avoiding crunch—a practice of intense, overtime-heavy development—has reportedly driven the delay. Schreier’s sources indicate that developers at Rockstar long doubted the 2025 timeline’s feasibility, with the delay deemed “inevitable” due to the project’s scope and a desire to prioritize employee well-being. This focus, while admirable, has complicated planning for other studios hoping to capitalize on GTA 6's absence.
What Another GTA 6 Delay Could Mean
A further delay of GTA 6 into late 2026 or beyond could intensify the gaming industry’s scheduling woes. Publishers who have already adjusted their timelines to accommodate the May 2026 date may face mounting costs if forced to delay again, potentially impacting smaller studios the hardest. For larger companies like EA, a delayed GTA 6 could provide a longer window to dominate the market with titles like Battlefield, but it also risks prolonging uncertainty that could stall investment decisions.
For fans, another delay might heighten frustration, though Rockstar’s track record of delivering groundbreaking titles could temper backlash. Financially, Take-Two Interactive could face further stock volatility, as investors grow wary of prolonged development costs without revenue from GTA 6. Additionally, a later release could push GTA 6 closer to the next console generation, potentially affecting its market impact if hardware transitions are underway.
Fans, though disappointed, have been buoyed by a second trailer and over 70 new screenshots, which amassed 19 million views and 3 million likes within hours. The trailer showcased GTA 6's stunning Leonida setting, earning praise from developers who called it “a AAA game from the future.” Leaked gameplay footage online has further stoked excitement, highlighting improved vehicle damage and physics compared to Grand Theft Auto V.
Yet, uncertainty persists. Rockstar’s development, which reportedly began in earnest in 2018 after Red Dead Redemption 2, has faced challenges like the coronavirus pandemic and a major leak. With an eight-year development cycle by its projected 2026 release, GTA 6 remains a monumental undertaking. Take-Two Interactive’s upcoming FY 2025 earnings call on May 15 may clarify the reasons behind the delay and the likelihood of meeting the May 2026 date. For now, GTA 6's shadow continues to loom large over the gaming industry.
Source: Bloomberg via The Gamer
