Rockstar Games has announced another delay for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI, pushing its release date back by six months. The game, which was previously slated for May 2026, will now launch on November 19, 2026. This latest adjustment comes as Rockstar Games seeks to ensure the game meets the highest standards of polish and quality.
Key Takeaways
- Grand Theft Auto VI’s release date has been moved from May 26, 2026, to November 19, 2026.
- Rockstar Games cites the need for additional polish as the reason for the delay.
- The company assures that recent employee firings are unrelated to the game’s development schedule.
A Further Wait For Vice City
Fans eager to return to the vibrant, modern-day Vice City and explore the sprawling state of Leonida will need to exercise more patience. Rockstar Games, in a statement released alongside Take-Two Interactive’s quarterly earnings, apologized for the extended wait. The developer emphasized that the extra months are crucial for delivering the “unrivaled blockbuster entertainment experience” that players have come to expect.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick echoed this sentiment, stating that while the company aims to set realistic release dates, they are committed to allowing Rockstar Games the time needed to perfect the title. “In this instance, of course, we’re seeking to release the most extraordinary title anyone’s ever seen in the history of entertainment,” Zelnick told Variety. “That’s a tall order. And in this instance, Rockstar Games believes a limited amount of additional time is required for polish to support that view.”
Unrelated Staffing Changes
Amidst the delay announcement, Take-Two also addressed recent workforce reductions at Rockstar Games’ UK studios. The company clarified that the dismissal of approximately 30-40 employees is entirely separate from the GTA VI delay. Rockstar stated that these individuals were found to be distributing confidential information, a violation of company policy, and that these actions were not related to union activities.
Financial Performance And Future Releases
The delay announcement was made as Take-Two Interactive reported its financial results. The company’s earnings for the July-September quarter met analyst expectations, with key revenue drivers including “NBA 2K26,” “NBA 2K25,” “Grand Theft Auto Online,” and “Grand Theft Auto V.” Take-Two also updated its release calendar, noting upcoming titles like “BioShock next iteration” and “Top Goal” with TBA launch dates.
Despite the delay, Take-Two raised its net bookings forecast for the current fiscal year, signaling confidence in its overall portfolio. The company projects net bookings between $6.4 billion and $6.5 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026.
