Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) is one of the most highly anticipated video games of all time. Rockstar Games has officially announced that GTA 6 is set to release in 2025, but recent rumors suggest that the game might be delayed until 2026.
So, is GTA 6 really getting delayed, or are these just industry speculations? In this blog post, we’ll cover the latest updates, official statements, and expert insights regarding GTA 6’s release date.
Rockstar Games and its parent company, Take-Two Interactive, have officially confirmed that GTA 6 is scheduled for a 2025 release.
In a recent statement, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick reassured fans that the game is on track and will be released as planned. He emphasized that the company is committed to delivering a high-quality game without unnecessary delays.
However, game development is complex, and delays are common especially for major titles like GTA 6. This has led some analysts to believe that a 2026 release is still a possibility.
The speculation about a potential delay to 2026 comes primarily from industry insiders and game analysts, including Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier.
Schreier, who has a strong track record of reporting on Rockstar Games, pointed out that:
Rockstar’s approach to game development has changed they now prioritize employee well-being and work-life balance, which could slow down production.
Past Rockstar titles, such as GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, experienced delays before their final release.
Internal reports suggest some technical challenges, which could push the game’s release further into the future.
Even though these claims are not confirmed, they have fueled speculation that GTA 6 could slip into 2026 if Rockstar Games decides to take extra time to refine the game.
If GTA 6 does get delayed, it wouldn’t be the first time Rockstar Games has pushed back a major release.
GTA 5: Initially planned for 2012, but was delayed to 2013.
Red Dead Redemption 2: Announced for 2017, but postponed to 2018.
Rockstar Games is known for prioritizing game quality over meeting deadlines, which is why their titles consistently set industry standards for open-world gaming.
Given this history, it wouldn’t be surprising if GTA 6 follows the same pattern and gets pushed into early or mid-2026.
If GTA 6 gets delayed until 2026, it would be disappointing for fans—but it could also be a good thing.
Better Gameplay & Graphics – More development time means a more polished and refined game.
Fewer Technical Issues – Many modern games suffer from rushed releases and bugs. A delay could ensure a smoother launch.
More Content – A longer development cycle could allow Rockstar to add more missions, features, and mechanics.
Of course, this would also mean that players would have to wait even longer for the game they’ve been anticipating for years.
As of now, GTA 6 is officially scheduled for release in Fall 2025.
Some analysts believe the game could be pushed to 2026, but Rockstar has not confirmed this.
Considering Rockstar’s history of delays, a slight postponement is possible but not certain.
For now, the best thing to do is to stay updated on official announcements from Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive. Until they confirm a delay, GTA 6 is still set to launch in 2025.