Fans will have to wait a little longer for Grand Theft Auto VI. Rockstar Games has announced another delay for the long-anticipated open-world blockbuster, now officially slated to launch on November 19th, 2026.

In a statement released Thursday, Rockstar said the decision was made to ensure the game meets the studio’s high standards.

“We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realize has been a long wait,” the developer said. “These extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve. We’re incredibly excited for players to experience the sprawling state of Leonida and a return to modern-day Vice City.”

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“When we set a date, we really do believe in it,” Zelnick said. “If a game requires more polish to be the best possible version of itself, then we will give that game more time. That’s exactly what happened here.”

What to Expect from GTA VI

Internal Turbulence

The delay pushes the release back nearly six months from its previously announced date of May 26th, 2026 - which itself followed an earlier target window in 2025. The game will be released exclusively for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X / S, with no mention yet of a PC version.

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick told The Game Business that the studio remains committed to giving Rockstar the time it needs.

Zelnick added that the new release window still falls within the company’s current fiscal year and called it “a great release opportunity” for both Take-Two and Rockstar.

Grand Theft Auto VI will return players to Vice City, re-imagined within the larger state of Leonida, a fictionalized version of Florida. The story follows Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, two small-time criminals drawn into a vast conspiracy that spans the entire state.

According to Rockstar, the game will explore “the darkest side of the sunniest place in America,” blending neon-lit chaos with deep character narratives and the studio’s signature satire of modern life.

The first trailer, which dropped in December 2023, broke YouTube records and set off a new wave of anticipation among fans eager to see how Rockstar would evolve its most famous franchise for a new generation of consoles.

The delay follows a difficult few weeks for Rockstar. The studio was recently accused of union-busting after reportedly firing up to 40 employees. A spokesperson denied the allegations, saying those dismissed had been involved in “distributing and discussing confidential information in a public forum,” and that the move was unrelated to any union activity.

Despite internal friction, Rockstar maintains that the development of GTA VI remains on track for its new timeline - and promises that the extra months will deliver “the most immersive and ambitious Grand Theft Auto yet.”