The gaming world was shaken once again with big news from Rockstar Games and its parent company, Take-Two Interactive. The long wait for Grand Theft Auto VI just got even longer. Many fans are now asking, when is GTA 6 coming out? The answer is now clear—May 2026.
This change has left both fans and investors wondering what’s next. Let’s break down everything we know, what it means for the company, and how players are reacting.
A Game the World Has Been Waiting For
It’s been more than 10 years since Rockstar released GTA V. That game came out in 2013 and quickly became one of the best-selling video games in history. It sold over 200 million copies. Since then, players have been eagerly waiting for the next chapter.
There was a lot of hope that GTA VI would arrive by fall 2025. But now, Take-Two has officially moved the release date to May 2026.
This news has people once again asking, when is GTA 6 coming out? And sadly, the answer is not anytime soon.
Why the Delay?
Take-Two said they want to give Rockstar Games more time to make the game even better. The CEO, Strauss Zelnick, explained that they fully support Rockstar’s choice to take extra time.
“We support Rockstar Games in taking the time needed to make Grand Theft Auto VI a top-quality experience,” Zelnick said.
Delays like this are common in today’s game industry. Games now take more time, more money, and more people to build. Developers also face pressure from players who expect games to be smooth, bug-free, and exciting from the first day.
What Does This Mean for the Company?
The delay affects not just fans, but also Take-Two’s financial plans. Wall Street had expected a big boost in revenue from GTA VI in 2025. But with the release now pushed to May 2026, that income will come later.
Take-Two has shifted its focus to the next two years—fiscal 2026 and 2027. They say they still expect to see strong sales overall.
Despite the delay, they’re not empty-handed. Games like Borderlands 4 and Mafia: The Old Country are set to launch before GTA VI, and these titles may help fill in the gap.
Still, investors were disappointed. Right after the announcement, Take-Two’s stock dropped by 8% in early trading.
When Is GTA 6 Coming Out? What We Know So Far
The first official GTA 6 trailer was released in December 2023. It showed a return to Vice City, a fictional version of Miami. Fans also saw Lucia, the game’s first female lead character.
This teaser gave a sneak peek at what might be a Bonnie-and-Clyde style adventure. Within 24 hours, over 100 million people had viewed the trailer online. It was a viral hit.
Even though the trailer brought huge excitement, the recent delay has left fans asking again: when is GTA 6 coming out?
Mixed Reactions from Fans
Some players were clearly upset. Many took to social media to say how disappointed they were. After waiting over a decade, they didn’t want to wait another two years.
But not everyone is angry. Some fans say it’s better to wait if it means the game will be perfect. They believe Rockstar will use the extra time to make sure GTA VI lives up to its big name.
Here are a few reactions:
- “I can’t believe I have to wait until 2026!”
- “Take your time, Rockstar. Just make it amazing.”
- “So… when is GTA 6 coming out again? Feels like forever!”
How the Delay Affects the Gaming World
GTA VI isn’t just another video game. It’s a huge event in the gaming world. Experts believed it would drive growth in the entire gaming industry. Now, that growth will be delayed.
This comes at a time when the cost of consoles is rising, especially in the U.S. Tariffs and inflation have made it harder for players to afford new systems. A big title like GTA VI could have boosted console sales.
With the delay, the industry will need to wait longer for that kind of momentum.
Take-Two’s Plan to Move Forward
Even though this is a big setback, Take-Two says it still has a strong lineup. It’s not all about GTA.
Their schedule includes several other major games that could still make fiscal 2026 a successful year. They’ve confirmed:
- Borderlands 4 – a fan favorite
- Mafia: The Old Country – a fresh title with lots of buzz
These releases might help soften the impact of GTA VI’s delay. Some analysts think this will help avoid sales competition between the titles, which may be a smart move.
One analyst, Wyatt Swanson from D.A. Davidson & Co, said:
“We believe this helps reduce concerns about overlapping sales in 2026 and spreads revenue more evenly.”
So, When Is GTA 6 Coming Out for Real?
To answer the big question: GTA 6 is now expected to come out in May 2026.
Unless there’s another delay, this will be the final date. It’s still two years away, but now there’s a solid answer to the burning question: when is GTA 6 coming out?
What to Expect from GTA VI
Though the game isn’t out yet, we already know a few things about what to expect:
- Location: Vice City returns
- Main Character: Lucia, a female lead for the first time
- Theme: A modern crime story, possibly inspired by Bonnie and Clyde
- Visuals: Stunning graphics and a realistic world
- Online Features: Expected to be a big part of the game
These details are enough to keep fans talking while they wait.
Is the Wait Worth It?
History shows that Rockstar takes its time—but the results are usually worth it. GTA V was a masterpiece. It still has a strong player base even after all these years.
If Rockstar can repeat that success, GTA VI could be one of the best games ever made. Taking extra time might actually be the best choice.
After all, would you rather wait and get something amazing—or rush it and get a broken game?
So once again, when is GTA 6 coming out? The final word: May 2026.
Yes, it’s a long wait. But with a track record like Rockstar’s, it may just be worth every minute.
For now, fans will have to stay patient, keep an eye on new trailers, and maybe replay GTA V a few more times while counting the days
Frequently asked questions
Q: When is GTA 6 coming out?
A: Rockstar Games and Take-Two have confirmed the new release date as May 2026.
Q: Why was GTA 6 delayed again?
A: The delay is to give Rockstar more time to complete the game and meet quality expectations.
Q: Will GTA 6 be released for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S?
A: While not officially confirmed, it is highly expected to launch on these consoles.
Q: Is Lucia the only main character in GTA 6?
A: No, the teaser suggests she is one of the two leads in a duo, possibly inspired by Bonnie and Clyde.
Q: What city will GTA 6 be set in?
A: The game is set in Vice City, Rockstar’s version of Miami.
Q: How can fans stay updated on GTA 6 news?
A: Follow Rockstar Games on social media, and keep an eye on news from Take-Two Interactive.
Source; CNN
