
Rockstar delays GTA 6 again. Grand Theft Auto VI now launches on November 19, 2026. [Photo: X/Rockstar Games]
Rockstar Games has officially postponed the release of Grand Theft Auto VI once again. The studio confirmed that the game will now release on November 19, 2026, moving from its earlier May 2026 date. This marks the second delay after the original plan for a late-2025 debut. The announcement shocked millions of fans worldwide who have been waiting over a decade since GTA V’s 2013 launch.
The new release date—November 19, 2026—places the game in the crucial holiday season, a period that often drives record sales for major titles. Industry experts believe Rockstar’s decision aligns with its strategy to ensure GTA 6 lives up to the franchise’s reputation for innovation and scale.
According to reports, internal sources at Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, supported the delay to ensure the game reaches the highest quality standards before release.
GTA 6 will first launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles, with a PC version expected later. Early footage and leaks show dual protagonists inspired by Bonnie and Clyde, new physics, advanced AI, and a dynamic open-world experience unlike anything before.
Although pricing details remain unconfirmed, experts expect GTA 6 to retail around $70 (₹5,499 in India) for the standard edition.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting GTA 6 since GTA V launched back in 2013. The repeated delays, while frustrating, show Rockstar’s determination to perfect the game before launch.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick explained:
“When we set a date, we really do believe in it… If a game requires more polish … then we will give that game more time. And that’s exactly what happened.” The company hopes to avoid the kinds of performance issues that have affected other major open-world releases in recent years.
Rockstar Games says the extra six months will allow the team to fine-tune gameplay, enhance visual realism, and ensure smooth performance across platforms. The studio’s focus on detail and scale — especially with Vice City and the new state of Leonida — has significantly extended development time.
Industry observers add that the delay may also help Rockstar steer clear of competition from other big 2026 launches and ensure a global, uninterrupted rollout.
Rockstar has revised GTA 6’s release schedule several times:
This is the second major delay, as Rockstar aims to deliver a more polished and stable game experience across all platforms.
While delays are disappointing, this one might be a blessing in disguise. Rockstar is showing that quality now outweighs deadlines — a mindset many gamers welcome.
By taking extra time, the studio can deliver the next evolution in open-world gaming without the bugs and glitches that often plague rushed launches. Patience, it seems, might pay off big for GTA 6 fans.