Rockstar Games has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI will not meet its previously scheduled release date, with the studio announcing a six-month delay.
The GTA 6 release date is now set for Thursday, 19 November 2026, marking another extension in what has already been one of the most closely watched development cycles in gaming.
According to Rockstar Games, the delay was necessary to allow the development team more time to refine the highly anticipated title.
“Hi everyone, Grand Theft Auto VI will now release on Thursday, 19 November 2026. We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realize has been a long wait, but these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve,” the studio said in a statement.
The announcement has drawn backlash from fans online, many expressing frustration at the extended wait. Social media platforms quickly filled with posts criticising the repeated postponements, with some users noting the decade-long gap since Grand Theft Auto V first launched in 2013.
Others, however, said they preferred the studio take additional time to ensure quality and stability at launch.
Guinness World Records joined the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) with a tongue-in-cheek post referencing another long-delayed title, Duke Nukem Forever, writing:
“Current record for the longest development period for a video game? 14 years and 43 days.”
Initially, Rockstar had set GTA 6 for release on 26 May 2026. At the time, the company emphasised that the delay was intended to “deliver a game that exceeds expectations.”
The latest statement reiterates that goal, with Rockstar adding:
“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 upcoming title takes players to the sprawling state of Leonida, a fictional region inspired by Florida, and marks a return to the neon-lit streets of Vice City.
The second trailer, released in May 2025, introduces the protagonists Jason and Lucia, two partners entangled in a botched heist that leads them into a larger criminal conspiracy.
According to Rockstar, players will experience an expansive open world filled with fast cars, heists, and satirical storytelling.
The trailer showcased beaches, bustling cityscapes, and the nightlife that has become synonymous with the series.
Despite the setback, anticipation for GTA 6 remains high, with fans eager to see how Rockstar evolves the franchise’s open-world formula. The studio ended its message by thanking players for their continued patience and support.
Grand Theft Auto VI is now scheduled for global release on 19 November 2026.
