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Rockstar Games has pushed the release date of Grand Theft Auto 6 to May 26, 2026, moving it out of the previously announced fall 2025 window. This confirmation came earlier in May, following widespread speculation that a delay was likely. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick confirmed the new date in an interview just before the company’s latest earnings call. ➤ (Source: Kotaku)
Why GTA 6 was delayed despite Take-Two’s confidence
Zelnick had publicly expressed “high confidence” in hitting the original 2025 release window. The change of plans raised questions, especially given his repeated reassurances. According to Zelnick, the delay was based on Rockstar’s need for extra polish to meet its internal quality standards. He described the time extension as “a small amount of incremental time” that would allow the studio to fully realize its vision. ➤ (Source: Kotaku)
Rockstar wants to finish without compromises
The decision to delay GTA 6 was described as a move to ensure the game launches without creative limitations. Zelnick said the polish required only became clear as the game neared completion. He fully backed Rockstar’s request for more time, indicating that the studio is committed to delivering a project that aligns with its high expectations. ➤ (Source: Kotaku)
GTA 6 development only started in 2020
Though the project had long been rumored, Zelnick confirmed that Rockstar began working on GTA 6 “in earnest” in 2020. That was two years after Red Dead Redemption 2 launched and seven years after GTA 5 first appeared on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. This relatively recent development timeline underscores how much remains to be done. ➤ (Source: Kotaku)
New GTA 6 trailer and screenshots show major progress
Shortly after the delay announcement, Rockstar released the game’s most detailed trailer to date, along with a batch of high-resolution screenshots. All footage shown was reportedly captured in-game. The visual quality has impressed fans and game developers, hinting at a technically ambitious open-world project. ➤ (Source: Kotaku)
GTA 6 delay eases Take-Two’s packed 2025 schedule
Take-Two has several major releases scheduled for 2025. This makes the GTA 6 delay less disruptive to its broader launch calendar. Zelnick confirmed that Mafia: The Old Country is coming in August. Borderlands 4 is set to follow in September. Civilization 7 will arrive earlier in the year. Ongoing player engagement in GTA Online and Red Dead Online also helps maintain momentum. ➤ (Source: Kotaku)
Zelnick: Delay is a “worthwhile investment”
Take-Two’s CEO framed the delay as a strategic decision that serves both business and creative goals. By allowing Rockstar additional time, he believes the studio will deliver a higher-quality title. Zelnick characterized the move as a “worthwhile investment” that reflects the long-term value GTA 6 holds for the company. For more reviews and news, stay tuned to our website.
