If new reports are proven to be true, then the wait for Grand Theft Auto 6 may unfortunately be longer than originally believed. It's no secret that Grand Theft Auto 6 has been the most anticipated game release in recent years, and the promise of a 2026 launch is thrilling. However, according to a leaker, eager gamers may have to be a little bit more patient.
According to leaker Millie A, GTA 6 may get pushed back from its May 2026 release date to September 2026. Of course, it's important to remember that claims as bold as these should be met with a healthy dose of skepticism, but if true, GTA fans will have to hold out for a few more months. Even if the original May 2026 release date remains locked in, the waiting period feels like it's moving at a snail's pace. Whether GTA 6 comes out in May 2026 or September 2026, there is one game on the horizon that could help satisfy those GTA-like cravings: Mafia: The Old Country.
GTA 6's Leaked Editions Are Already a Double-Edged Sword
Grand Theft Auto 6's price and release strategy have been a hot-button topic, and the latest leak creates some further complications.
Mafia: The Old Country Could Be a Refuge for Gamers Waiting for GTA 6
When Does Mafia: The Old Country Come Out?
- August 8, 2025.
With Mafia: The Old Country just a few days away from launching, longtime GTA fans eager for some fresh content may find this upcoming title the perfect teaser ahead of GTA 6. Granted, the GTA and Mafia franchises have their differences, but the latter is one of the few series that has managed to feel similar to the former when it comes to gameplay.
This time around, Mafia: The Old Country takes the franchise back to Sicily in the early 1900s, serving as a prequel to the entire series. The setting is a far cry from GTA staples like San Andreas and Vice City, but for those interested in seeing a brand-new perspective, Mafia: The Old Country can show fans of the Rockstar franchise a different side of crime life. Apart from gameplay, both franchises are all about living a life embroiled in crime. A character's connections and loyalties are common themes in both GTA and Mafia, so fans of the former will immediately feel those similarities.
It's been nine years since Mafia: The Old Country's predecessor, Mafia III, was released.
The Mafia Franchise's Tone is More Serious and Narrative-Driven
Over the years, the GTA franchise has managed to balance serious situations with a heavy dose of satirical humor, which is much different from the Mafia games. Mafia: The Old Country continues the franchise's tradition of dramatic storytelling, and while that may not appeal to some GTA fans, those who love Rockstar's other main franchise, Red Dead Redemption, are likely to enjoy the tone of the upcoming prequel.
Mafia: The Old Country also has a solid price point that makes it fairly affordable for a brand-new game. The game costs $49.99 USD for the standard version and $59.99 USD for the Deluxe Edition.
Mafia: The Old Country's Smaller Scope Makes it a Great Appetizer
GTA 6 is definitely the main course, as it's expected the game will offer hours upon hours of content, especially with its yet-to-be-announced online counterpart. Mafia: The Old Country is a tight-knit world and story, but that also keeps it a more focused experience. GTA 6 is bound to be massive, and while that's great, Mafia: The Old Country's humble approach to storytelling can offer a bit of balance, demonstrating that not every game has to be 30 hours or more.
Only time will tell if GTA 6 gets pushed back to September 2026, but that hopefully isn't the case. Right now, though, those eager for Rockstar's next project possibly have a hidden gem sitting in plain sight that can be checked out in just a few short days.
OpenCritic Reviews
- Released
- November 19, 2026
- ESRB
- Rating Pending - Likely Mature 17+
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
