Rockstar Games just announced a major delay for Grand Theft Auto VI, pushing its release to May 2026. Fans who expected to explore Vice City this year will now need to wait nearly two more years for the hotly anticipated sequel.
Why the Big Delay in Grand Theft Auto VI?
First, Rockstar says they need extra time to meet fan expectations. The studio wants to deliver a polished experience worthy of the GTA name. Next, this follows Rockstar’s pattern – they’ve delayed nearly every GTA game, including the record-breaking GTA V which still earned over $8 billion after its 2013 launch.
Additionally, this delay creates a ripple effect across the gaming industry. Many studios avoided scheduling big releases near GTA VI’s expected 2025 launch. Now, competitors suddenly have breathing room until 2026.
What This Means for Gamers
While disappointing, the delay suggests Rockstar aims to avoid crunch and release a masterpiece. The first trailer’s use of Tom Petty’s “Love Is a Long Road” now feels like an ironic hint at the extended wait.
Meanwhile, console makers face a holiday 2025 without their expected system-seller. With few major games scheduled, the delay might slow PlayStation and Xbox sales temporarily.
Bottom line: Good games take time, and Rockstar won’t rush their golden goose. While the wait hurts, history shows it usually pays off with record-breaking results. Mark your calendars for May 2026 – hopefully for the last time.