When Grand Theft Auto 6 was delayed to May 2026, it seems fair to say most fans understood. It's true that, over the years, fans have done wild things in pursuit of GTA 6 news, but the general sentiment surrounding the delay wasn't negative. Fans did get an official release date, alongside a window, after all. The biggest factors in that were Rockstar Games' pedigree and history: fans expect it to ship well, having high expectations for the title, even if this meant a delay. Rockstar's history is full of delays, but that's exactly why the second GTA 6 delay is all but confirmed.
Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Take-Two Interactive, previously commented on GTA 6's release date, saying his commitment to that day was "very, very high, obviously." However, others have expressed doubt. Insiders like Millie A have suggested that there could be a delay later into 2026. Insider Gaming's Tom Henderson also speculated on a delay after hearing "rumblings." Bloomberg's Jason Schreier also previously stated that May 2026 was not a guarantee.
Delays are almost unavoidable given the complications of game development, ranging from tight production timelines to unforeseen technical challenges and any number of other issues, but the above would suggest a question of who to believe. There are plenty of insiders suggesting the delay can and will happen, while the CEO of Take-Two says otherwise. However, regardless of that, I would point to the history of Rockstar releases as the ultimate tell here.
History and Insiders Tell the Tale of GTA 6's Delay
- Millie A says there are internal talks of a delay.
- Insider Gaming's Tom Henderson speculates that GTA 6 will be delayed to October 2026
- Bloomberg's Jason Schreier says May 2026 is not a guarantee.
- History-wise, GTA 6 is on the same trajectory as Red Dead 2
GTA 4 and GTA 5 Are From a Different Time But Reveal Familiar Troubles
GTA 4 was released in April 2008 after being delayed from October 2007, while GTA 5 was delayed from Spring 2013 to September 2013. The PC version of GTA 5 was delayed multiple times, having multiple dates between its initial release date of Fall 2014 and its final release date of April 2015.
Development timelines, expectations, capabilities, and woes were completely different in the late 2000s and early-to-mid 2010s. Come the mid-2010s, essentially following the release of GTA 5, the entire industry began a descent into longer and longer development timelines, meaning more and more problems would arise. This is best embodied by the development history surrounding Red Dead 2.
While minor in the grand scheme of things, it's hard to deny that the fall/holiday season remains an attractive part of the year for video games. Releases happen more in spring and summer months than they used to, but undoubtedly, part of the convo is still: which release date would yield the best sales?
Red Dead 2 Sets the Precedent for GTA 6's Second Delay
Red Dead Redemption 2 was initially slated for Fall 2017 before being delayed to Spring 2018 and then again to October 2018. As a whole, that is two delays before reaching its final and fixed date. Reports indicate that Rockstar is trying to avoid the development troubles that Red Dead 2 endured, meaning if it were delayed twice, then GTA 6 is likely in the same boat. One is certainly far from a pattern, but if history is any indication, the second delay isn't just a probability; it's basically the writing on the wall.
- Red Dead 2's initial release date was Fall 2017
- It was then delayed to Spring 2018.
- Finally, it was delayed to October 2018.
GTA 6's Second Delay is Basically Confirmed
Time will tell, of course, but I do think time and history are the real track record to watch here. The simple fact remains: Rockstar has a history with delays, and its last major release—which could pale in comparison to GTA 6's popularity—had two. I just don't see a world where GTA 6 has any less of a delay than Red Dead.
OpenCritic Reviews
- Released
- November 19, 2026
- ESRB
- Rating Pending - Likely Mature 17+
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
