Rockstar Games has officially announced that Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on May 26, 2026, exclusively for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The announcement comes with an apology from the development team for the delay from the originally planned Fall 2025 release window.

Official Statement

In their official statement, Rockstar Games expressed: "We are very sorry that this is later than you expected. The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team."

The company emphasized their commitment to quality: "With every game we have released, the goal has always been to try and exceed your expectations, and Grand Theft Auto VI is no exception. We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve."

Platform Availability

The initial release will be exclusive to current-generation consoles - PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. This decision reflects Rockstar's strategy of leveraging the advanced hardware capabilities of these systems to deliver their most ambitious open-world experience to date.

PC players will need to wait for a later release, following Rockstar's traditional staggered launch approach seen with previous GTA titles. No official PC release date has been announced.

Development Reasoning

The delay reflects the unprecedented scope and complexity of GTA VI. Industry sources suggest the additional development time will focus on polishing the dual-protagonist system, refining the massive Vice City world, and ensuring seamless technical performance across all gameplay systems.

Market Impact

The announcement immediately impacted Take-Two Interactive's stock price and gaming industry projections for 2025. The delay also affects the competitive landscape, giving other major releases more breathing room in the crowded 2025 gaming calendar.

Fan Response

While disappointed by the delay, many fans expressed understanding and support for Rockstar's decision to prioritize quality over meeting deadlines. The gaming community's reaction has been largely positive, with most preferring a polished experience over a rushed release.

With the official date now set, the countdown to May 26, 2026, begins in earnest as fans prepare for what promises to be one of the most significant gaming releases of the decade.