The confirmation ends months of uncertainty after whispers emerged that the game might face yet another delay, whispers that gained traction thanks to a PlayStation leaker in July. However, Take-Two Interactive, parent company of Rockstar Games, confirmed in its latest earnings report that production is on schedule for the 2026 release.
From 2025 to 2026 — The Release Date Shift
Interestingly, earlier Take-Two earnings reports had listed a possible 2025 release window for GTA 6. Since game development delays are usual for big AAA titles, some fans are wary of the updated timeline until May 2026.
The release date was first revealed in GTA 6’s second official trailer, which dropped earlier this year, showcasing the game’s new Vice City-inspired setting, enhanced graphics, and expanded gameplay features.
Will GTA 6 Be the First $100 Game?
One of the biggest points of debate around GTA 6 isn’t just its release date, it’s the price tag. Industry analyst Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities suggested earlier this year that GTA 6 could launch at $100, a steep increase from the current AAA game standard of $70.
GTA 6 might establish a new standard for high-end prices in the market, even though Nintendo just pushed the envelope with $80 games. Considering the already lengthy wait and the possibility of further expensive content or special editions, the rumors have angered fans.
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Take-Two CEO Responds
In an interview with Variety, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick didn’t confirm or deny the $100 rumor but hinted that pricing would be revealed directly by Rockstar closer to launch.
“Our goal always is to deliver more value than what we charge… we’ve had variable pricing at the company forever. As you are aware, the industry’s strategy is to start at a premium price, occasionally with limited editions, and gradually lower the price to increase the market’s overall size.
According to this claim, Rockstar may use a tiered pricing structure with limited editions, early access benefits, and subsequent price reductions, even if GTA 6 may initially launch at a higher price point.
The Most Anticipated Game of the Decade
GTA 6 has been called the most anticipated video game of all time, and with a decade of development, upgraded graphics technology, and Rockstar’s track record for expansive open worlds, expectations are sky-high. The anticipation has been heightened by the Vice City-inspired geography, dynamic weather systems, enhanced artificial intelligence, and a suspected dual-protagonist plot.
But until May 2026, fans will have to wait and possibly start saving for what could be the most expensive retail video game launch in history.
