Rockstar Games has postponed the much-anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 to May 2026, a move that has left fans reeling. Initially slated for launch this autumn, the developer announced that additional time was necessary to ensure the game meets the high standards players expect and deserve.
The series has a storied reputation, with Grand Theft Auto 5 standing as the second-best selling video game in history. Its success is largely attributed to its robust online mode, which continues to attract millions of players globally. Since a teaser trailer dropped in December 2023, amassing over 100 million views, only limited information has been disclosed regarding the upcoming title.
In a statement, Rockstar expressed gratitude for the overwhelming excitement surrounding the game, describing fan interest as “truly humbling.” Despite the lengthy development cycles that have become synonymous with the company, including a 12-year hiatus between Grand Theft Auto 5 and its sequel, the humor of fans hasn’t gone unnoticed. Online memes highlighting this gap have proliferated, poking fun at Rockstar’s trend of extending release timelines.
Straus Zelnick, the CEO of parent company Take-Two Interactive, previously asserted that every new Rockstar game aims to deliver an unprecedented experience. This philosophy has served the company well, but for dedicated fans like 27-year-old Dienne Kawende—the voice behind the online persona HotGamerDude—the wait has been excruciating. Kawende expressed his frustration, stating, “I’m absolutely furious right now.”
He voiced concerns not only about the delay but also about the platform availability. Grand Theft Auto 6 will debut exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, meaning that those with older consoles will need to upgrade. With recent price hikes for these systems from Sony and Microsoft, Kawende’s path to accessing the game has become even more daunting. “I literally got a job just to save up for a PlayStation 5,” he lamented.
Industry experts speculate that Grand Theft Auto 6 could shatter sales records, potentially eclipsing its predecessor, which holds the title for the highest-grossing video game launch ever. As anticipation builds, many within the gaming community see the delay as a double-edged sword. While it might heighten demand, it also leaves a void in the market.
The gaming sector has faced significant challenges over the past two years, including studio closures and widespread layoffs. Many hoped that a new title from Rockstar would not only boost console sales but also invigorate the broader gaming landscape. As a result of the delay, competing game publishers may now be more inclined to announce their titles ahead of time, avoiding a potential clash with Grand Theft Auto 6.
As the wait continues, fans are left wondering when they will get their hands on what is sure to be another groundbreaking installment in the legendary franchise.