Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI will not meet its previously targeted Fall 2025 release window. Instead, the game is now scheduled to launch on May 26, 2026, marking a significant delay for what is expected to be one of the biggest entertainment launches in history.
In an official statement, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed unwavering support for Rockstar’s decision to take additional time to refine the game. “We support fully Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto VI, which promises to be a groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience that exceeds audience expectations,” Zelnick said (via Dexerto). The statement underscores Take-Two’s commitment to quality, prioritizing Rockstar’s pursuit of perfection over meeting the original timeline.
The delay, announced earlier today, has already impacted Take-Two’s stock, with shares dropping 10-12% in premarket trading, reflecting investor disappointment. However, Zelnick emphasized the long-term value of ensuring Grand Theft Auto VI delivers on its monumental hype. “While we take the movement of our titles seriously and appreciate the vast and deep global anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI, we remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence,” he added.
Rockstar Games also addressed the delay directly, issuing an apology to fans via a post on social media: “Grand Theft Auto VI is now set to release on May 26, 2026.” The studio acknowledged the significance of the postponement but did not elaborate further on specific reasons, aligning with their historically tight-lipped approach to development updates.
"We are very sorry that this is later than you expected," Rockstar stated. "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," the developer added. "We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve."
Rockstar also said that they "forward to sharing more information with you soon."
Speculation about a potential delay had been mounting in recent weeks, fueled by Rockstar’s prolonged silence since the release of the first Grand Theft Auto VI trailer in December 2023, which has amassed over 250 million views on YouTube alone. Industry insiders, including former Rockstar technical director Obbe Vermeij, had previously suggested that a decision on delaying the game might not be finalized until closer to mid-2025, drawing parallels to the last-minute delay of Grand Theft Auto IV in 2007.
The delay shifts Grand Theft Auto VI into Take-Two’s 2027 fiscal year, opening up the Fall 2025 release window for other titles, such as Borderlands 4, scheduled for September 23, 2025, and Mafia: The Old Country, set for August 8, 2025. This strategic scheduling avoids internal competition within Take-Two’s portfolio, giving each major release room to shine.
Take-Two’s next earnings call, scheduled for May 15, 2025, is expected to provide further insight into the company’s plans for Grand Theft Auto VI and its broader release slate. For now, the gaming community braces for an extended wait, confident that Rockstar’s additional time will deliver a game that redefines the open-world genre.
