Launch Now Pushed to November 2026
Grand Theft Auto 6 has been delayed – for a second time – until 19 November 2026.
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A Long-Awaited Sequel Slips Further
One of the most anticipated gaming releases ever, the sequel by developer Rockstar Games was originally set for May 2026. It had already been postponed once, from autumn 2025. But in a statement on Thursday, Rockstar said it needed more time to finish the game with the level of polish fans have come to “expect and deserve”.
Ten Years Later, GTA 5 Still Stands Strong
GTA 5, the previous entry in the series, launched in 2013 and is the second best-selling game of all time. Despite being 12 years old, it remains hugely popular thanks to its online mode.
Rockstar Apologises — and Teases Leonida
In its statement, Rockstar said it was “sorry for adding additional time” to the long wait and thanked fans for their patience. The studio added that it was “incredibly excited” for players to explore Leonida – a fictional US state inspired by Florida – including a modern-day take on the iconic, Miami-style Vice City.
Social Media Reacts: Anger, Memes, Acceptance
As always, GTA news triggered the usual blend of frustration, humour and resignation online. Streamer IShowSpeed gave an exaggerated response on stream: “I’m gonna be 50 before this game comes out,” he said. “I might have kids, I might have a wife.”
Meanwhile, the animated Lofi Girl account joked she “might actually graduate before GTA 6”, and an official Domino’s Pizza account told Rockstar to “call us if you need help delivering”.
Others took a calmer stance, preferring developers take their time rather than release an unfinished game.
Controversy Behind the Scenes
The announcement comes after 31 workers were fired from Rockstar’s UK studios on 30 October. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), which represents gaming-sector workers, accused the company of dismissing staff to stop unionising. Members held rallies outside Rockstar’s Edinburgh and London offices. The BBC has reached out to Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, for comment.
What We’ve Seen So Far
Rockstar has kept quiet about GTA 6, releasing only two trailers, the second arriving in May this year. With over 100 million views, the nearly three-minute video offered more insight into protagonists Jason and Lucia – a crime-driven couple in Leonida – and showcased new characters and map locations.
A Studio Known for Delays and Perfection
The company has a history of delaying its games and maintaining a reputation for perfectionism. Its previous major title, Red Dead Redemption 2, was delayed by about a year. Rising expectations for complexity and scale, combined with soaring development costs, mean publishers are increasingly cautious about releasing unpolished products.
One of the Most Expensive Games Ever?
When it eventually arrives, GTA 6 is expected to be among the most expensive games ever produced – but also likely to break sales records at launch. Whether it will meet the enormous hype remains to be seen.
Hello, my name is Lora Zaharieva. I love video games and I spend a big chunk of my time in front of my pc. I have studied English language for the past 10 years. There is nothing better than combining the pleasant with the useful, and for this reason I decided to start writing articles in English related to the gaming industry. I am an ambitious person and when I like something, I want to improve as much as possible. If you like what I do, I will be happy if you contact me! – Loraa_zaharievaa_2405 @ abv.bg
