TL;DR: What's possibly the most anticipated game of all time, Grand Theft Auto VI has been officially delayed to May 26, 2026 from its original launch date of fall this year. This could spell double bad news for PC fans of the long-running franchise: Rockstar has yet to announce a release date for the PC version of the game.
In an official post on its website, Rockstar Games confirmed that the next Grand Theft Auto game is now set to release on May 26, 2026.
"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. We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve," the company wrote.
The studio also thanked fans for the interest and excitement surrounding the game. It added that "We look forward to sharing more information with you soon," which could mean that the long-awaited second trailer is near.
Rockstar has not confirmed a PC version of GTA 6 since the game was revealed; the single trailer only mentioned the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. There's no mention of any platforms in the new announcement, which some are taking as good news – does it mean a PC version could also launch in May? Conversely, a console-only release next May could mean the PC version doesn't arrive until 2027.
It took seven months for GTA 3 to arrive on PC following its console release, eight months for San Andreas, eight months for GTA 4, and almost two years for GTA 5.
Interestingly, a Corsair executive suggested earlier this year that a PC version of GTA 6 would land in early 2026, though he seemed to be basing that prediction on the console version arriving in fall 2025.
In February, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar parent company Take-Two, admitted that while GTA 6's fall launch date remained on track, delays can never be ruled out.
"Look, there's always a risk of slippage and I think as soon as you say words like absolutely, you jinx things," he said.
Zelnick said in a new investment note today that he supported the decision to delay GTA 6 into Take-Two's 2027 financial year.
"We support fully Rockstar Games taking additional time to realize their creative vision for Grand Theft Auto 6, which promises to be a groundbreaking, blockbuster entertainment experience that exceeds audience expectations."
There have been rumors that GTA 6 might carry a previously unheard-of price point of $100. One analyst believes this will be justified by offering buyers a huge amount of in-game cash for the online element of the game, so if it does happen, it will hopefully be limited to some kind of special edition.
Take-Two's stock price dropped 8 percent in premarket trading on the NASDAQ following news of GTA 6's delay.