Rockstar Confirms Another Delay for GTA VI
Rockstar Games has officially confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI will now release on Thursday, November 19, 2026, pushing the long-awaited title back once more.
The announcement came via a statement on social media, where Rockstar apologised to fans for extending what has already been a lengthy wait. The developer said the extra time will be used to ensure the game meets the “level of polish you have come to expect and deserve.”
We want to thank you again for your patience and support. While the wait is a little longer, we are incredibly excited for players to experience the sprawling state of Leonida and a return to modern day Vice City.
Sincerely,
Rockstar Games— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) November 6, 2025
Originally slated for an autumn 2025 launch, the release was first delayed to May 2026 before being pushed back again this week.
Returning to Vice City and the State of Leonida
Despite the setback, Rockstar says excitement remains high for the next chapter in its blockbuster open-world franchise. GTA VI will take players to Leonida, a fictional US state inspired by Florida, featuring a return to modern-day Vice City.
The game follows the story of Jason and Lucia, a criminal couple whose lives of crime play out across a massive, dynamic map. Trailers have already showcased neon-lit cityscapes, sprawling beaches, and high-speed chases reminiscent of Miami’s vibrant chaos.
Rockstar expressed gratitude to fans for their continued patience and support, saying it’s “incredibly excited for players to experience the sprawling state of Leonida and a return to modern-day Vice City.”
Take-Two CEO: “Highly Confident” in Rockstar’s Vision
Take-Two Interactive’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, addressed the delay during the company’s earnings call, stating his confidence in Rockstar’s perfectionist approach.
“We remain both excited and confident they will deliver an unrivalled blockbuster entertainment experience,” Zelnick said. “We’re grateful to Rockstar for constantly seeking perfection.”
Speaking with IGN, Zelnick confirmed the delay still keeps the game within the same fiscal year, easing concerns that it might slip even further into 2027.
Fans React with Frustration and Humour
As expected, the delay sparked an avalanche of reactions online, from disappointment to comedy gold. Streamer IShowSpeed joked during a live broadcast, “I’m gonna be 50 before this game comes out.”
Meanwhile, Lofi Girl, the internet’s iconic study companion, quipped that she “might actually graduate before GTA 6,” and Domino’s Pizza humorously offered to help Rockstar “deliver” the game.
Still, many fans echoed a common sentiment: they’d rather wait longer for a polished experience than receive a rushed, unfinished one.
Rockstar’s Perfectionist Legacy
Rockstar has a well-documented history of delaying major releases to achieve its trademark attention to detail. Its last big title, Red Dead Redemption 2, was delayed nearly a year but went on to earn universal acclaim for its storytelling and realism.
Given the massive expectations surrounding GTA VI, a project that’s reportedly one of the most expensive games ever made, the studio’s cautious approach isn’t surprising.
With development costs skyrocketing across the industry, publishers are becoming more hesitant to release unfinished products. For Rockstar, perfection clearly takes precedence over punctuality.
The Long Wait Continues
It’s been over 12 years since Grand Theft Auto V launched in 2013, and yet it remains one of the best-selling and most played games in the world. The bar for its successor couldn’t be higher.
When GTA VI finally arrives next November, expectations will be sky-high, not just from fans, but from the entire gaming industry watching closely to see if it redefines open-world gaming once again.