GTA 6 delayed again: Rockstar reveals new release date and why
Rockstar changed its plans for the release of GTA 6 (photo: Rockstar Games)
Rockstar Games has officially announced that the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 has been postponed to November 19, 2026, CNET reports.
Rockstar's reaction
According to Rockstar, the game needs additional time for polishing.
"These extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve. 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," the company stated.
The release of GTA 6 was originally scheduled for May 2026, after previously being planned for 2025. The game has been in development since 2018, following the release of Red Dead Redemption 2.
Hi everyone,
— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) November 6, 2025
Grand Theft Auto VI will now release on Thursday, November 19, 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… pic.twitter.com/yLX9KIiDzX
Why is GTA 6 taking so long to develop?
Fans have been waiting for the next installment in the series for more than ten years, as GTA 5 was released back in 2013. Little is officially known about the development process.
Last month, Rockstar North laid off between 30 and 40 employees. According to Bloomberg, some of them were reportedly trying to form a union. Studio representatives said the dismissals were related to "discussing confidential information in a public forum."
What is known about the new GTA
Having announced the new release date, Rockstar also shared a new trailer and game details.
The main characters will be Jason Duvall and Lucia Caminos. Lucia will become the first female protagonist in GTA history.
The story takes place in the state of Leonida, a fictional version of Florida. Players will be able to explore Vice City as well as areas inspired by Key West, the Everglades, and other famous regions. As always, the game will feature story missions tied to criminal activities.
Price and platforms
Rockstar has not yet revealed the game's price. Online discussions suggest GTA 6 could become the first major release priced at around $100.
The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.
