Rockstar Games has announced a delay for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI, pushing its release to November 19, 2026. This decision comes amidst much speculation and follows a series of shifts in the projected launch date.
Delay Announced Amidst High Expectations
The news of the delay emerged from Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two, during their second quarter earnings report. According to sources, the postponement aims to give the development team the necessary time to achieve the quality and polish the franchise is known for. “Rockstar has our full support of course, and we are confident they will deliver an unrivalled blockbuster entertainment experience,” the company stated.
Initially slated for a fall 2025 release, Grand Theft Auto VI was later rescheduled to May 2026. Take-Two’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, had previously expressed confidence in the 2025 launch. However, upon reevaluation, he noted, “It’s- it’s all of 2025. We’ve had more time to develop the title. And so we are getting closer to the release. We are grateful that it is still within the same fiscal year.”
Controversy Surrounds Recent Staff Changes
Recent developments at Take-Two have not been without controversy. The company recently dismissed dozens of employees, citing “gross misconduct” and accusations of leaking confidential information. The employees, however, argue they were terminated due to their participation in unionization efforts. This led to protests outside Rockstar North and Take-Two’s UK offices.
Record Financial Results Amidst Challenges
Despite the internal challenges, Take-Two has reported a record-breaking second quarter, with net bookings hitting $1.96 billion. This success is attributed to the releases of NBA 2K26, Mafia: The Old Country, and Borderlands 4. NBA 2K26 alone has sold five million units since its launch, while the evergreen GTA V continues its impressive sales, surpassing 220 million units globally.
Rockstar Games has announced a delay for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI, pushing its release to November 19, 2026.